Charming small box of English metal nibs from John Mitchell's, a famous Birmingham manufacturer specializing in writing instruments since the 19th century. This version features a particularly refined design combining red and cream floral printed paper with a large navy blue and gold label evoking the awards received at the 1855 World's Fair. The imperial medallions and Victorian typography give the whole a very decorative aesthetic typical of high-end stationery accessories from the Belle Époque. The box still contains about thirty original metal nibs with a purplish patina.
✦ Provenance: John Mitchell’s - Birmingham ✦ Estimated era: Circa 1900 ✦ Dimensions: approx. 6 x 4 x 2 cm ✦ Material: printed cardboard and metal nibs ✦ Contents: approx. 30 original metal nibs ✦ Condition: good overall condition with signs of age, rubbing and minor wear on one corner of the box, old contents well preserved
With its unusual floral design and richly illustrated advertising label, this antique box is a very aesthetic piece for a collection of writing, stationery or advertising office objects.
