Beautiful wooden box decorated with ferns dating to the late 1800's. Mauchline ware was produced from the 1820's-1933 by the firm W & A Smith. Fernware was introduced in the 1870's. This involved applying actual ferns to the wood which was then stippled in dark brown, the ferns removed and the wood varnished. The wood used was Sycamore. This box is a wonderful example of Mauchline ware. The color is more brown than in the photos. It has a brass front closure that no longer is functional and brass hinges. The box measures 3.5" high, 5.75" long, and 3 5/8" wide. There is very little wear to the outside and quite a bit of wear to the inside. Just a very fine example of fernware!
