This stunning paint box I think dates from between 1850 to 1870ish so well into the Victorian era.
It must have been the pride of a young lady who obviously treasured it judging by its condition which is lovely.
It has a truly gorgeous top in what I think might be Birch which is often beautiful being a hardwood having said that it could be figured Poplar?
Either way it has a lovely image which is original to the box of a very colourful bird which I suggest is a Tanager.
The bird might be hand painted it does look that way but it could be a painted print? However it does look really very nice with its rich colours set off admirably by the stunning figure in the wood. The patterns in the grain look as though they are pushing the bird along and giving it movement.
As to who made the box it is difficult to say with any accuracy but it may be those wonderful people at Reeves and Son who made beautiful things like this. However neither the beautiful label or the paints are signed.
All but three of the paints are original to the box and it’s interesting that two of the replacements? are by Reeves.
As I say the box has been very well looked after but at some time the receiver for the lock bolt was replaced. That said the lock does work however I’d not trust it too much! I once got locked out of a box for a while, not pleasant!
It’s a box that looks great as a piece of furniture but it can and probably should be used. If its new owner wants to use it I’d suggest not using the original paints and set them aside and utilise modern ones. My reason for this suggestion is that all that needs to be done is put the original paints back in place and the box becomes whole again and non of its values are lost.
Approximately,21 x 13 x 3.5 cm