This is a little jewel of a watercolour box and a very early one.
You will have noticed that the gorgeous Cobalt Blue makers label here includes no information on the makers Royal Warrant that they were granted in 1841. This would normally be seen as recumbent Lion and unicorn with a crest to the centre with words about the Queen etc. This is absent here because this box stretches back to a time before then. In fact possibly to a time when Victoria wasn’t the Queen. Winsor Newton as you know commenced trading in 1835 so this box is between 1835 and 1841. Because of the fixed paint tray I would suggest that this belongs to the 1830s. Judging by its beauty and lovely quality it is no wonder that they received Royal patronage so quickly.
The box is not a large one and is in truth really quite portable and perfectly strong enough to be used today.
It is made from a good quality and a solid Mahogany. It does shows a few marks and scratches but this should be expected in a box of this age, but it’s in very good condition in my opinion.
It has a full set of old and probably 19th century paints and at least a couple are by Winsor Newton. Paints in my view should be thought of as consumables and in something of this great age they are likely to be used up in times past. There are a couple of modern brushes present also. This box has been used I’m happy to say but I’m also happy to say that it has been well looked after.
The lower drawer is held closed by a brass pin and inside the drawer are three mixing dishes of I think the 19th century, maybe original to the box?
The little ring pull is present to the drawer and I’m sure it’s the original. I say this as sometimes they go missing!
The original lock is present and a key is supplied that operates it well. I found if the key is angled down a bit when turning it the lock worked every time with a loud positive click. I always urge caution with these old locks as they being so old can be a bit temperamental! I once got locked out of one and it was horrible!
This is a lovely box and as said is quite useable and would fit easily into a picnic bag for some delightful outdoors Spring and Summer painting.
Approx,
19.5 x 9x 6 cm