Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

This is a rare mahogany artist's box dating from the Late 18th or Early 19th Century of large dimensions. The top opens on three brass hinges to reveal a compartmentalised interior including two lift out trays which are original to the box, one made of tin, the other of oak. It comes, as acquired, with a number of brushes which mostly date from the 20th Century, but there are no paints or any signs, for that matter, of paint marks on the outside or inside of the box.

The compartments at the back, some of the dividers for which have been lost, would have probably originally housed a number of glass bottles containing paint.

The key, which looks to be original, throws the lock but it doesn't engage with the brass fitting on the lid (probably due to movement in the wood or lock). The mahogany is dense with an attractive colour and grain which looks fresh on the underside of the lid where it has been protected from the sun and handling.

Size: Width 56 x Depth 32 x Height 13 cm (22" x 12 1/2" x 5 1/8"). This is a much larger box than one typically finds.

Condition: It is in good antique condition. Some of the interior dividers have been lost and there is some minor chipping to the top edge of the lid, the largest of which is on the right corner. There are a number of ink stains on the lid, which suggests that the box was originally used by an artist who worked in pen and ink.

Postage & Packing: £10 within the UK. Please contact us if you live overseas.