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A rare marked example of an integral hinge snuff box by Gibson
of Auchinleck.
The lid is decorated with a monkey and a tied up dog and the saying
"Don't you wish you may get it"* The decoration is in detailed pen and ink, overlaid with body colour. The stamp is through
the tin in the base of the box.
This box is probably by William Gibson, going by date and style, who
happens to be of the same dates as John Dalrymple also of Auchinleck, who's occupation is listed
as "box painter" (mid 19c)
There has been some restoration, the hinge has been professionally repaired (so well as
I wouldn't know it had been if I hadn't seen it before it was!) and top surface is a little rough, as can be seen in
the photo, but without loss to the picture. 7.4 x 3.4 x 2cm
*The phrase "don't you wish you may get it" was taken up by the Americans during
the Civil War, but was also a popular catch phrase between 1830-60, simply meaning "I don't think much of your chance of getting
it"
A snuff spoon of French Prisoner of War type. The handle carved with
gaming symbols. Mutton bone, made in an East Coast jail, circa 1800. SOLD
A rare and interesting Laurencekirk integral hinge snuff
box. The lid is painted with the inscription "Part of the First Communion Table in Pitsligo Parish Church in Andrew
Cants time 1634" and the interior is stamped "C. Stiven and Sons Laurenckirk box maker to Her Majesty"
The box is of characteristic Laurencekirk waisted shape and
is made of Scot's pine, with a noticeable dark grain.
Andrew Cant (1590-1663) was a famous Scottish Covenanting
minister. Circa 1633 he was Minister at Pitsligo. (the Covenant was a pledge to abolish Bishops and the prayer book)
Pitsligo is a village some 70 miles to the North of Laurencekirk.
It seems quite likely that it had a communion table made of Scot's pine. The old church, to which this refers, was built in
1632.
The box has had a repaired hinge and a little professional
restoration, which is very inconspicious and many dealers would not feel the need to mention it! The top has a few small dent
marks characteristic of pine, which is a much softer wood than the usual sycamore. Other than that it is in pretty good condition
and this is the only one like this I have seen. 10cm across, 5cm deep, 3cm high.
A fine pen and ink integral hinge snuff box by J. Boyd?,
Cumnock(marked to base, name appears to be J. Boyd, Cumnock very clear). The top decorated with a detailed drawing celebrating
the Union with a thistle, shamrock and a rose, for Scotland, Ireland and England above which is written "Unity". The
edges to the top and base have two drawn lines and the dowels which cover the integral hinge are decorated with a penwork
scroll. It is of particularly good colour and has no restoration, being of fine and original condition. 6x 4 x 1.7cm.
A Mauchline ware yo yo snuff box, the opening being where
the string would run on a yo yo. This example has an applied transfer to the wood, with romantically inspired motto
which is almost Tennyson's 1832 work" Friendship Offering"-
" Forget Me Not
This is Affection's Tribute Friendship's
Offering
Whose silent eloquence, more rich than words
Tells of the Giver's faith and truth in absence
And says- Forget Me Not!"
The slightly domed top and base has led the
box to move about, accounting for the various knocks and slight marks. But all in all, a lovely sentiment and a nice box!
8cm across.
A yo yo snuff box, this example having a paper applied
label. The top printed with a pair of angel's wings below which it says-
"Shake Hands! we haena met this while
We have been parted many a mile,
We little thought to meet this day,
Wi' so much mirth upon the way,
There, tak a Snuff, lets hae a crack,
As we haena' met this long time back,
Weere glad to see each other well,
Our thoughtfu' hearts the truth can tell."
6.5cm across, some stains, this is reflected in the price.
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