A superb English metal pen nibs box from the late 19th century, illustrated with a portrait of the scientist Alexander von Humboldt , to whom this series was dedicated. The manufacturer J. Alexandre’s was renowned in Birmingham for its “Double Cement Pens”, with a fine point (marked EF – Extra Fine Points ). The box, in excellent condition, contains a mix of antique pen nibs (mainly Blanzy-Poure, Perry & Co., and a few British examples) — not of homogeneous origin, but perfectly in keeping with the collection. Lithograph with a gilt frame, portrait printed in fine photogravure, Victorian typography of great elegance.
✦ Origin: United Kingdom (Birmingham) ✦ Estimated period: Circa 1900 ✦ Dimensions: 6.5 × 4.5 × 2 cm ✦ Material: Lithographed cardboard ✦ Contents: Mixture of 40–50 assorted pen nibs ✦ Condition: Excellent condition, corners slightly rubbed, contents incomplete but decoration remarkably crisp
A very beautiful English collector's box, emblematic of the golden age of Victorian correspondence and advertising engraving.
