Lot 293
A Victorian presentation snuff box
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by James Nasmyth & Co, Edinburgh 1851-1852, of rectangular outline, the body and lid with tartan effect engraved decoration the central cartouche to lid engraved with presentation inscription, with applied reeded and foliate thumb piece to lid
Dimensions
8cm x 5cm x 2cm, 4oz
Footnote
Notes:
The presentation inscription reads;
"Presented to Mr Thomas Fleming, Brewer by the men in the employment of Messrs Alexander Berwick & Co and a few friends as a mark of their respect and esteem, Edinburgh October 1851"
Alexander Berwick purchased the brewery in Gentle's Close, Holyrood, Edinburgh, in 1822. James Gentle, who had been an Edinburgh brewer since at least 1747, purchased the property in 1753.
After his death in the 1780s it remained in his family and was probably rented out. Richard Younger operated it from 1783 until the 1790s. Alexander and John Berwick put the brewery up for sale in 1858.
It was rumoured at the time that they had lost GBP 15,000 since an uncle had left the company. The brewery was purchased by William Younger & Co who remodelled the property into Holyrood Brewery.