The small mahogany box stamped for Edward Nye of Tunbridge Wells contains 45 samples of the ingredients that make up Tunbridge Ware. Each is numbered and corresponds to a printed sheet, titled Edward Nye, manufacturer, Mount Ephraim and Parade, Tunbridge Wells, listing name, country of origin and use of each type of timber.
Some exotic specimens are listed – Barwood, Barberry, Fustic, Lance, Letter or Snake, Onze (from New Zealand) Partridge hard and soft, Pheasant, Princes and Red Sanders. Number 45 is described as Oak 'in a state of decay' with the ink explanation 'Stained green by the spawn or mycelium of a minute fungus' the 'peziza aruginosa' which grows on it. Found in a house in Grantham, where the auctioneers are based, this box of tricks is expected by auctioneer John Munro to make £300-500. Contact 01476 568861 for more information.
Preview
Enthusiasts of Tunbridge Ware will be interested in this unusual lot, right, at Marilyn Swain's Antique & Fine Art Sale on April 7.
