Mauchline Ware Castle Turret Money Box, East Bay Gourock, c. 1880

Age:
circa 1880
Material:
Sycamore
Dimensions:
8.5cm x 7cm
Shipping:
Standard Parcel
Price:
SOLD
A Mauchline Ware money box in the shape of a castle turret with pull off lid. Made in sycamore, it has a transfer print of East Bay, Gourock. The name Gourock comes from a Gaelic word for "pimple", in reference to the hill above the town. Mainly a fishing village, it grew importance with the arrival of the steamboat at the start the nineteenth century when it became a port for catching steamers to the Highlands and the West coast.
In good condition with no cracks or issues. The lid is a tight, good fit. Would have once had a green baize on the bottom.
The town of Mauchline in East Ayrshire became synonymous with souvenirs made from sycamore wood and decorated with famous local landmarks from around Britain. Although the origin probably lies with Charles Stiven (1753-1820) of Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, it was two Mauchline brothers, William and Andrew Smith, who became the prime producers from 1825. At its peak in the 1860s, over 400 people were involved in the manufacture of Mauchline ware and the high quality souvenirs were despatched to all parts of the British Isles, Europe, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.