[Faux Book][Theatre] The Cottage Initial. "T". Lavender Tint

Published by London presumed, 1870

About this Item

With a color print image of actress Mary Frances Scott-Siddons atop the lid. The box measures 19 by 12 cm, and it is 3.5 cm deep. Ms. Siddons (1844-1896) was a British actress known particularly for her portrayal of Portia In "The Merchant of Venice". The portrait on the box shows her as Princess Elizabeth (Elizabeth I) as she looked in the play "'Twixt Axe and Crown", role she played widely beginning in 1870, when she was 26 years old. It was a popular play written originally in German by Charlotte Birch-Pfeiffer, who passed away in 1868. Scott-Siddons also was a great granddaughter of Sarah Siddons. There is no date on the box, but based on the image of Scott-Siddons, we would date the box to the 1870s. In the costume on Scott-Siddons, lavender serves as the most pronounced color. The image, although printed, comes off as a watercolor almost, with the lower edges deliberately non-distinct. The box was clearly intended to be a keeper, or a box that the buyer of the dye would hold onto after using up the contents. Its sides have ruled red lines dividing it into compartments like a book spine would have, and the lid is attached, opening just like a book. For these reasons we regard the box as a faux book. Condition: Structurally, three of the lid corners with closed tears. Otherwise, the box remains structurally sound. The top of the lid has a film of soiling, much of which can be cleaned with an eraser. The interior is foxed, and moderately soiled besides. Still, all issues considered, in Very Good conditiion. Seller Inventory # 008134

Bibliographic Details

Title: [Faux Book][Theatre] The Cottage Initial. "T...

Publisher: London presumed

Publication Date: 1870

Binding: NA

Condition: Very Good