A rare George III painted toleware ‘honesty' box, circa 1800...

Hammer

£300

A rare George III painted toleware ‘honesty' box, circa 1800-20

Of typical rectangular form, with two compartments, both with hinged covers, one with penny slot and gilt-decorated paterae, a side lever handle and key to lock, the lid of the other compartment, for tobacco, painted with the inscription ‘drop a penny into the till, then turn the handle, you may fill. When you have done without delay shut down the lid or sixpence pay’, 23cm wide, 17cm deep, 11.5cm high

This tobacco honour box predates the mid-19th century brass 'Rich’s Patent’ examples commonly found

.