This beautiful box was made by the justly famous London based firm of Winsor and Newton I think somewhere between 1910 to perhaps 1930. 
The type of paints here are often considered as Draughtsman colours used to colour maps and drawings etc. The firm did market them as such. However just like so many things this is not actually the whole truth as these being made by this business are in fact very good quality watercolour paints. 
During my long career as a museum’s conservator I have been lucky to meet many interesting people. Sometimes these are families who no longer have anyone interested in painting. So I have been fortunate enough to purchase these unwanted items. 
The conversations that accompany these meetings can shed light on how these boxes were used by past members of the family and so are particularly interesting. 
Apparently some people preferred these type of paints as being so large were actually more economical without a loss in quality either in pigment or usability. 
In fact being in stick form these types of paint open up more possibilities for use. 
These paints when worn down can be ground down and mixed with a little gum Arabic to be put in pans etc. 
so as you can see these are really quite flexible. 
This particular box is in very good condition being made of a lovely mahogany which is very sound and with good hinges. 
It opens and closes with two swing hooks which swing and locate into eyes. 
On lifting the lid we see the beautiful label telling of its makers. This although isn’t brand new is still very good and clearly been looked after. 
We then see the paint tray which carries what I think are mostly it’s original paints which is nice. There are a good variety of colours and these are quite useable. 
Underneath this is a lovely ceramic palette by the makers which is stamped by them. It does show signs of wear and use but has never been broken. 
There is also a paint brush again by the makers which must be either near to or contemporary with the box. 
The label at the front of the box in the section where traditionally brushes were kept is present and good. 
All in all this is a beautiful box that could be put back to work within minutes of being unpacked but would also make a lovely ornament oozing old world charm and presence. 
Approximately,
26.3cm
13.5cm
5cm