This is a Victorian, Scottish Mauchline Ware needle case in the Transfer Ware finish, featuring the 'INTERIOR OF BURNS' COTTAGE' & 'TAM O' SHANTER & SOUTER JOHNNY', and dating to around 1880 - 90.

The hinged case is rectangular in form, & is made from copal varnished sycamore.

The case is secured via a hook clasp, & hinges open to reveal the dark red silk lined interior, with 3 pockets on one side, a large pocket on the other, & a central, felt leaf.

One side of the case is decorated with a transfer scene entitled 'INTERIOR OF BURNS' COTTAGE' - 'BOUGHT IN THE COTTAGE' and the verse:

"He'll hae misfortunes great and sma'

But aye a heart aboon them a'

He'll be a credit tae us a'

We'll a'be be proud o' Robin" .

The other side of the case is entitled 'TAM O' SHANTER & SOUTER JOHNNY' & has a transfer scene of their statues

Burns' cottage is in Alloway & was where he was born in 1759, & the Tam o' Shanter & Souter Johnny statues are also in Alloway (they were the central characters in Burns' epic poem 'Tam o' Shanter'). The verse comes from 'Rantin' Rovin' Robin', which was written by Robert Burns in 1785.

Condition is Fine, with no damage or wear to the transfers or the interior.

The case measures approx 3 1/2" x 2 3/8" (approx 8.9cm x 6cm).