This advertisement was said to be from the 1880s but we have not yet verified that.
Perhaps one of our readers can provide some more information, as we have never seen this (the advertisement or the “fixer”) before.
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Silver and more Stamp Boxes at Auction
Hutchinson Scott of Skipton have 8 lots of stamp boxes in their sale on 13-15 May 2021.
Six lots (314-319) are silver boxes, 519 (illustrated) is mixed, and 619 is wooden boxes.
The catalogue can be viewed on the-saleroom.com.
Stamp Boxes at Auction
Our photo shows one of three mixed lots of stamp boxes being offered by Corbitts in their sale on 20th January 2021. As well as being of interest to people building their collection, these lots, with modest estimates, could make great starts to new collections of stamp boxes. Images and descriptions are on their website here.
Stamp Box Auction in France
An auction of a collection of stamp boxes will close on Friday, 20 November 2020.
The auction is in Paris and is on-line only. The first part is of a collection of knives; the stamp boxes begin at Lot 90 and there are more than 70 lots. Most lots consist of more than one box and so, overall, there are a substantial number in the auction. The English version of the catalogue contains some odd (computer?) translations but collectors will be able to understand what is on offer.
The catalogue can be seen here.
Tunbridge Ware Stamp Boxes at Auction
There are a number of lots in the Bleasdales “Winter Sewing Sale” on 18 November 2020 which include Tunbridge ware stamp boxes. Our image is of lot 92; other lots noted are 57, 91, 93 & 94.
The auction catalogue may be seen here.
Russian Box at Auction
This fabulous Russian stamp box is being auctioned by USA dealers John Atzbach Antiques on Monday 17th August 2020. It is described as:
“A Russian silver gilt and shaded cloisonne enamel stamp box, 11th Artel, Moscow, 1908 tp 1917. In the form of a book, the spring loaded lid decorated with numbers against a translucent yellow enamel ground within a border of geometric motifs, the base decorated with scrolling floral and foliate motifs against a gilded stippled ground . The gilded interior with 3 compartments for different denominations of stamps. Dimensions: 1 3/8 h x 2 3/4 in. w”
See the auction website here
Feldman Auction
The David Feldman auction, originally scheduled for 1-3 April, is now being held from June 29 to July 3rd. The auction includes a significant number of stamp boxes which will come up for sale on 1 July. The relevant section of the auction catalogue may be accessed on their website here. Clicking on the images in the on-line catalogue brings up high definition images of the lots.
Image: Lot 30637
Schuyler Rumsey Auction
Once again, an auction by Schuyler Rumsey Philatelic Auctions of San Francisco, to be held on 8-11 June 2020, features a large number of stamp boxes such as the one shown here.
Full details can be found on their website here.
The full catalogue available on that site is a large file. The first part of the catalogue with lots containing stamp boxes is available here.
Stamp Box and Cigarette Box Compendium
Just when you thought you’d seen everything: who dreamt up a stamp box and cigarette box compendium? Perhaps it was so you would get that lovely (!) tobacco taste in the mouth every time you licked a stamp.
This absolutely stunning combination is currently up for auction on eBay. Just search for the item number 274368728603.
Postal Weight Stamp Box
This charming box is being offered as lot 210 by East Bristol Auctions in their sale on 2&3 April. It is described as: “A 19th Century Victorian folding brass stamp box having engraved floral decoration with one side stamped with letter post rates. The four panels held together by the hinged lid atop. Marks to base for W. Avery & Son Redditch. Measures 5 cm tall.”
We can add to that description. The diamond registration mark which can be seen on the base in one of the photographs in the catalogue shows the design to have been registered on 18th March 1876. You may wonder why there is a padded cushion inside the box: yes, it is a pin cushion. The Avery company began as needle manufacturers but the son of the founder branched out into making needle cases. Even the most functional were highly decorated in the Victorian taste. Many, like this one, were novelties taking the form of real objects; in this case, a postal weight.
So, is it a stamp box? We say, “yes”. Victorian inventiveness did not stop with design and engineering; they also knew a thing or two about marketing. If an object could have dual, or multiple, purposes: all well and good for sales. One of their Patents (as opposed to Registered Designs) describes: “… a case to hold needles, pins or other small articles”; another: “Case to hold Postage Stamps, Needles, etc.” Also see our review of the book Victorian Brass Needlecases here.