10
Lot 106:
Description
This is a vintage photographic glass plate storage chest manufactured by the Houghton-Butcher Manufacturing Company Limited. The chest is of wooden construction featuring a black-painted exterior and a light-coloured softwood interior. It is specifically designed for the organised storage of photographic glass plate negatives or lantern slides, with carved vertical grooves in the base to secure the plates and two strips of brown felt lining the lid for protection. The exterior is reinforced with metal corner caps and features two leather closure straps secured by metal studs. A small, riveted metal plaque on the top of the lid is inscribed: MADE IN ENGLAND BY THE HOUGHTON-BUTCHER MFG. CO., LTD. LONDON, E.17. The box contains an assortment of glass plates, many of which remain separated by corrugated cardboard dividers. One visible plate bears the handwritten ink title: CUTTING THYME. A fragmented paper label remains on the front of the chest, showing a blue border and illegible handwriting.
Length: 40.5 cm.
Condition report:
The exterior finish shows significant age-related wear, including extensive scuffing, scratches, and loss of paint. The paper label on the front is largely torn away. The leather closure straps are heavily perished and worn; one is currently detached from its lower mounting point. The interior is dusty. While the glass plates appear generally intact, they have not been individually inspected for specific condition or subject matter.
Share this lot:
