A Tunbridge Ware Handkerchief Box with Isometric Cube Pattern c1900

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware – Handkerchief Box with Isometric Cube Pattern 
Date : c1900
Period : Victorian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells
Decoration : hinged lid and tray; top surface fo the lid with an isometric cube pattern bounded by continuous keyline stringing. a nine-square geometric band and feather-pattern border; a rather indistinct Berlin wool-work floral mosaic band around the four sides of the base; interior – lined with red satin. padded to base and lid; base lined with textured red paper
Size : 15.3 x 15.2 x 5.8 cm 
Condition : Excellent; tiles all present and correct; one or two minimal bumps to the corners; key missing
Restoration : None
Weight :  325 grams

Notes : This has elements of different company features from the latter part of the 19th century and in to the 1900’s from the period when Boyce. Brown & Kemp transitioned in to Kemp & King and then the Tunbridge Wells Manufacturing Co; the rather indistinct floral band and blocky geometric borders are typical of the latter. but the general form of the box is a little too good for their outturn whilst other elements point to an earlier source – perhaps when BB&K were still utilising the remnants of Barton/Hollamby stockpiles; a date squarely in the middle of this period would not seem unreasonable for this piece…