Antique Mauchline Ware Complete Egg Etui, Plymouth New Hampshire, USA Interest

Description: Unusual and very rare antique Victorian Mauchline Ware egg etui c.1890’s made from sycamore. The inked transfer design on the front is of the Congregational Church and Court House of Plymouth, New Hampshire, both buildings of which still remain. The church was built in 1837 and the Grafton County Courthouse, completed in 1889, now operates as Plymouth Town Hall. What is exceptionally rare about this etui is that it still contains the original, two-reel thread holder and what I've never seen before: the central spindle has a lid which comes off and can be used to store pins and needles- how neat is that! Three (slightly rusty!) original pins a needle and thimble are included in the sale. The egg is in good condition with just a few slight patches with loss of varnish, (see last three photos.) It measures 6.7cms long and has a diameter of approximately 4cms. Please see photos as they form part of the description. In the late 1700’s, skilled woodworkers in the Ayrshire town of Mauchline began making small wooden boxes for storing snuff, crafted from the cream-colored, tightly grained wood of local sycamore trees. These were decorated with hand-painted or inked designs and finished with multiple coats of amber-coloured varnish for shine and durability. Soon, time-saving paper transfers were introduced. By the 1820’s demand for snuff boxes had declined, so the box makers began making other small, useful wooden items, suitable as souvenirs for the increasing number of holiday travellers. By 1825, William and Andrew Smith had established the prestigious W & A Smith Box Works in Mauchline, making souvenir items of every size, shape and purpose, such as these, which were sent all around the world! Such a rare piece is bound to be of interest to Plymouth history buffs, collectors of sewing items or of Mauchline Ware.

Price: 78.5 GBP

Location: PERTH

End Time: 2023-11-29T20:23:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: 17.35 GBP