For me the Sweetest Stamp Box I Ever Did See

THE STORY - I confess to seeing an awful lot of stamp boxes with all the Fairs, Antique Shops and Auctions I attend, but as I have said in my title never did I come across a Stamp Box as Sweet as this. The Stamp Box is obviously French and made as a tourist piece from Boulogne sur Mer with the dear lady on the lid holding up her fishing net with stylised fish in the sea, seagulls in the air and ships passing by. I think I am correct in thinking that Boulogne is known for its Mackerel and Herring Fishing. The box is I believe made from celluloid, an early form of plastic and one that was used often in France at the start of the twentieth century for items such as jewellery, purses, and card cases. On opening the lid there are two compartments both slightly shaped to make it easier to retrieve your stamps. And although the construction is simple it is very satisfying and I find myself fascinated by the little rod that goes through the hole in the lid to secure it. But it is the illustration on the lid that makes this Stamp Box so special. There is almost a folk art quality to our lady, especially to her face, but I confess I am completely uncertain how the illustration was made, it looks like it was scratched onto the surface, but the surface is completely smooth, apart from where the script is.

AGE - Circa 1900

CONDITION - The stamp box is in good, with no chips or cracks to the celluloid that I can see. The celluloid has I think darkened with age and along the edges of the box is a little dirty. The hinge is still strong and the lid fits well. The two little compartments for the stamps do look a little dirty and I will leave it to the new owner to decide whether there want to clean the box. On the base there is the faint remnant of what I think was a price label.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Height 1/2" / 1.5cm, Width 1&7/8" / 4.5cm, Depth 1&1/4" / 3cm

I cannot help but think this would be a wonderful addition to a collection of Stamp Boxes. I have to say I was unable to find anything similar whilst I was researching it. And although stamps are no longer widely used it would be lovely to think of the wonderful lady on this little box guarding some treasured little trinkets within.