Mauchline Ware is wooden souvenir items which were manufactured in Scotland, primarily in factories in or near Mauchline and predominantly made of sycamore. The items have various finishes in a large variety of applications. Most Mauchline Ware products have transfers or photographs of popular tourist locations. There were also finishes with tartan, fern and black lacquer.
This is a collectable little honey-toned wooden box - it is a Victorian souvenir which you would have purchased on your travels in Scotland.
This box has a hinged lid which is decorated with a firmly stuck down and varnished (original to the box) image or coloured print of white snowdrop type flowers - and the word "FRIENDSHIP" above it - below is a wee poem which reads: I wish kind friends to love thee / With happy ones to cheer thee / And wise ones to guide thee / Whatever may betide.
It is in good antique condition. There is a little brass closing clip at the front of the box - as photographed. I love the original clean unvarnished wood interior. Nice decorative hinge at the back and a black base. Any white marks in my images are not on the box itself - but are reflections from its shiny surface.z
Measurements: The box measures 10.3 x 7.3 x 4.5 cm
A nice collectable Victorian Scottish souvenir.
HISTORY: Mauchline Wares are Scottish wooden items which date from about the 1880s - until the 1900s. They are generally wooden souvenirs and giftware - made of fruitwoods and decorated with black transfer designs. The scenes are usually of landmarks and popular towns - and spots favoured by tourists. They were very popular in their day and many pieces were exported globally.
The centre of the Mauchline Ware industry is the small village of Mauchline - which is located 11 miles inland from the Scottish coastal resort of Ayr. At its peak over 400 people were involved in the manufacture of these small (but always beautifully made) wooden souvenirs. Similar products were also made in Lanark - but most of the pieces are known by the generic name of Mauchline Ware.
HAPPY TO POST INTERNATIONALLY, PLEASE ASK FOR A POSTAGE QUOTE OUTSIDE OF THE UK.