This lovely box dates to between 1870 to 1890 and was made by that excellent supplier Reeves and sons. 
 
Reeves actually pre date many such Artist supply companies and could trace back their beginnings back to at least the 1780s and very possibly a good deal further back. It was they that invented the moist watercolours that we all use today. 
 
This box would very probably have originally been owned by a young lady. At this time learning to paint in watercolour was a part of the education for girls. 
 
The wood used here is a lovely grade of Mahogany and apart from the usual marks earned over a very long time is in very nice condition. The wood appears to glow. The label under the lid which is very decorative is also in a good state of preservation. It adds even more glamour to an already very attractive item. 
 
This box is of a quality and size to compliment any home. 
The original palette to this box was probably broken at maybe an early date and a replacement by Winsor and Newton was sourced. This is actually quite a common occurrence. The palette here is both beautiful and ready for use and apart from its discrete stamp to the rear is identical in size and appearance. There are a good range of paints in ceramic pans along with a few spares. 
 
In truth with a box like this you are set for life if you so choose. Every time a pan is emptied it can simply be washed out and refilled with any colour of your choice either from tubed paint or you could of course make your own colours. If looked after this box will not wear out neither will the palette as I say you could use this all of your life. In the past such a practice was quite common. 
 
There is a water bowl present and is of a type often encountered in boxes by Reeves. 
 
The original lock is present and it does work with the supplied key but please don’t put too much faith in these old locks as they have done much work. Being locked out of one is horrible. Trust me I know!
This is a lovely and relatively inexpensive box that is just waiting to start work all over again so the only question is are you!
 
Approx,
20.5cm
16.5cm
4.5cm