This is a very nice and practical artists oil paint box by the great makers Winsor and Newton of London.
 
The really nice thing about this is it’s pretty much complete with what are I believe it’s original paints at least some and perhaps all though with the welcome addition of the Reeves flake white and a Cinnabar green which is still soft.
 
In fact I think all the paints except the Raw Umber are still soft and useable.
 
I urge the new owner to use these paints as these old Winsor and Newton paints are really very good with a good high pigment load. At least the ones I’ve tested have had.
 
There are some good colours here also especially the range of Cinnabar greens which are quite rare.
Another great thing is that this is a good early one and is Victorian dating to 1880 to 1890 and so is brimmed full of 19th century romance, straight out of those very atmospheric smoggy streets that were so infamous in London at the time.
 
The box also has its stamped sliding palette made from Mahogany and although shows some wear with old paint present it is very stable and not cracked.
 
Also present is it’s original stamped by the makers palette knife which lies in front of the paints, together with a selection of brushes.
So as you can see this is a very well equipped box, and being made of metal means it will last for ever and a day. They can be susceptible to being dented and this one does have a dent to the top though not big or important.
 
What is important is that the hinges, handle and closing clasp are present and work as they should and I’m very glad to glad to say that here they all do.
 
The outer and inner paint show some wear in fact it would be very strange if it didn’t, though it is not disfigurement of any kind.
This is a very good box and is just itching to get started again, all it needs is keen heart from someone wanting great quality and at the same time value for money who wants to be a part of all that history.