This is a Victorian Scottish Mauchline Ware locking money box or bank in the Floral White Ware finish, complete with it's original key, and dating to around 1880 - 90.

The box is made from copal varnished sycamore & is constructed using 'tongue and lap' joints, with two hinges to the rear (the hinges are the less common, non decorative hinges, where only the interlocking joints are visible from the outside).

The box has a coin slot to the front of the lid & a keyhole to the front of the base, both finished in decorative, metal escutcheons.

The interior of the box is unvarnished, with an inset lock & the original blue 'morocco' paper 'flap' behind the coin slot. The base is finished in a black 'morocco' paper.

The top of the box is decorated with a chromolithographic print of Roses & another small, white flower

Condition is, in the main, fine. The main thing to note is that there has been an old, stress split to the underside of the top of the box, which has caused a split along the print, although this in no way affects the structure or strength of the box in any way. There are three small spots of rubbed varnish to one side, & the expected wear to the base paper - please see magnified photos.

The lock & key operate correctly & smoothly, the box closes tightly, and the hinges are fine.

The box measures approx 5 1/8" long, 3 3/4" wide, & 3" high (approx 13cm x 9.7cm x 7.7cm).

Overall, a large, 130 year old Mauchline money box, unusual not only in it's size & finish, but also in that it still has it's original key.