Here we have one of the most sought after watercolour paint boxes and was made by the wonderful James Newman of London. 
Mr Newman made many types of paint box but these large ones with the leather maroon label inside the lid are the boxes that collectors and artists alike lookout for. The answer why is very simple in that this type is very beautiful and comprehensive, they are and this one in particular is the Rolls Royce of paint boxes. 
This is no exaggerated claim just look at the photos! And in life it is much better. 
The business of James Newman was a genuinely early one commencing in the last quarter of the 18th century so by the time this example was made perhaps between 1830 to 1850, although it could be earlier not only had he arrived at a splendid design but also had assembled a team of master craftsmen to make them. 
In truth he was making beautiful boxes from the beginning I’m sure. I have here in my collection a small oil painting box that is probably from the last years of the 18th century and it is a delight in every way  and very innovative too in that it is in a very modern sense a pochade box. 
I have seen a few of these watercolour boxes over the years though since they gained recognition a few years ago they have seemingly evaporated from the market and there prices doubled in maybe 3 to 5 years if and when they turn up. 
With the ones I’ve seen there have been a few designs though really a variation on a theme. 
This one is particularly unusual as normally they have rather a simple pen tray at the box front whereas this example has three lidded compartments the larger one subdivided into three internally. It is rather beautiful and rare otherwise it wouldn’t have entered my collection. 
It is made from a beautiful Mahogany in fact I don’t remember ever seeing a finer box top than the one here as in the light the grain in the wood and it’s superb colours are exceptional. 
It is in lovely condition and very useable. 
Internally apart from the compartments mentioned above there are the things that we expect to find in such a box but I’ll just run through them here as some are noteworthy in my opinion. 
The palette to the box centre is stamped with the Newman name and in a perfectly useable condition and has never been broken. 
The lift out paint tray has a full set of paints with a good number of them again stamped by the maker. The others show no name but look old though I’m sure that they all would work well. It is very unusual in my experience for old paints not to work. Certainly Newman paints are always wonderful and have been consistently praised over time. 
Under the paint tray there are various bits and bobs as they say but rather nicely there are some vials of powder pigment that I’m sure would also work. It’s difficult to know how old they are for sure but to me the vials themselves look Victorian. 
There are throughout the box spare pans of paints and tubes by various makers. Often old tubes do dry out but the wonderful thing about watercolour is that it responds very well to water. 
This box also features two beautiful water bowls that are in very good condition. Their design is unusual in that the surfaces have raised patterns. 
In the lower drawer there is a large ceramic palette/ mixing tray which although is old it is I think later in date than the box. However it is a very useful addition I’m sure you’ll agree?
Finally the original lock still works with the key provided. Personally I don’t afford these very old locks too much trust as we must remember the great amount of work that they’ve done over the years but as I say the lock worked very well when I tested it in preparation for this listing. 
Overall this is a stunning box and although these days such things as this are not cheap we must I think try to remember that one might spend  thousands on a car and have it last five or so years whereas this box if looked after carefully will last all of your life and all of your grandchildren’s life when you pass it down. 
You might counter by saying yes but it’s useless if I want to travel into town as i would in that very expensive car. True as it is though this thing of beauty and usefulness will actually travel in time!
Approximately 
30.5 cm
23.   cm
9.     cm
You will also find this item on my secure site markmantonart.com at 10% less in price