Record

Souvenir box, with view of Stirling Castle

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probably made in Mauchline, Ayrshire

Postcard of Souvenir box, with view of Stirling Castle.
000-180-000-066-C
© National Museums Scotland

Souvenir box, with view of Stirling Castle

This varnished wooden souvenir box was probably produced by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. It is transfer-printed with a view of Stirling Castle and dates from the late 19th century.

The box has a hinged lid and spring clip fastener. The inscription on the edge of the lid reads, 'A MEMORIAL OF STIRLING/ "GRAY STIRLING BULWARK OF THE NORTH" The inside of the box is lined with green plush and the base covered with blue paper.

The firm of W & A Smith is said to have started in the early 1820s. Initially they made snuff boxes and razor strops (straps for sharpening razors). By 1841 they were selling tartan souvenir wares and in 1850 they published their 'Authenticated Tartans of the Clans and Families of Scotland'. From around 1860 to 1930 they produced vast quantities of souvenirs including boxes, table and desk accessories, and sewing items. The souvenirs were transfer-printed with views of British towns and cities, seaside resorts and exhibitions. Similar items, decorated appropriately, were produced for export to Europe, India, Australia and North America. The factory remained in business until a fire in 1933.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-180-000-066-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEW 89
Date: Late 19th century
Material: Yellow varnished wood boards. Inscription: MELROSE ABBEY / from the East
Dimensions: 3.40" x 2.25"
What: Case, needle
Subject: Nineteenth-century wooden souvenirs (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose Abbey
Event:
Description: Needle case of yellow varnished wood with a transfer picture of Melrose Abbey from the east
References:
  • Evans, G. Souvenirs From Roman Times to the Present Day. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing Ltd, 1999, pp 47-8. 
Translations:
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