Stacking Boxes in early Tunbridgeware (2)

A set of stacking boxes, similar to those with the label “T Barton Late Nye, Manufacturer, Mount Ephraim and Parade, Tunbridge Wells” also on the site. There are 12 in the set, the first being of stickware design in the top with the remainder applied decoration as expected, ending with the single solid plug. They are all in excellent condition and open right down to the smallest, assuming we have the nerve to do so without fear of dropping a top! Although not as an extensive set as the other referred to it is still comprehensive. This decorated whitewood is earlier than later tessellated wares and much rarer, but the mix here indicates the dating of this piece to be transitional. Probably dated to circa 1870. It is important to note that these boxes fit flush within each other. Between box 4 and 5 (starting with box 1 as the largest) the fit is slightly looser, so there is probably one box missing.