LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Victorian mahogany post box
Last quarter 19th century
Of pillar form, with hexagonal and lobed dome cover, the aperture with brass panel, hinged door beneath revealing an embossed parcel-gilt red leather lined interior, brass plaque with later engraved monogram
32in. (81.2cm.) high

Special notice

This lot is subject to Collection and Storage Charges. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

In 1840, Sir Rowland Hill reformed the postal delivery service, establishing a cheap and reliable service. In 1840 76 million letters were sent via the post, by 1898, 2186 million. In remote country houses, it become customary and fashionable to have a posting box in the hall, which was regularly emptied and delivered to the nearest post office. The times of collection and rates were inserted into the front panel.

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Edwardian H. Pinto, Treen and other Wooden Bygones, Bell & Hyman, 1969.
A comparable miniature street pillar box with a similar lobed dome cover, a leather lined interior and door compartment, was to a design registered in 1872, by John Batson of Brewer Street, Golden Square, London. (See plate 210, page 199.)

More from English and Continental Furniture, Tapestries and Works of

View All