This is a rare early Victorian mahogany watercolour box by the renowned London colourmen G. Rowney & Co., 51 Rathbone Place, London. Circa 1840s-1850s.
Lift the hinged lid to reveal the iconic emerald green trade label with ornate scrollwork, and a fitted interior still holding its treasures: a run of original watercolour cakes and blocks including yellow ochre and vermilion, the little 3-well porcelain mixing dish, and a cake of Linen Extract of Gall.
Pull the drawer below to find the original white ceramic thumb-hole palette with the Rowney transfer crest — the piece everyone hopes is still there. It is, with beautiful age and use to it.
This is the box that travelled with a 19th century artist. Not a reproduction, not a later tin — solid mahogany with brass hinges, working drawer with sunken brass pull, and keyhole escutcheon.
Measures: 9-1/8”w x 7”d x 3”h