This estate made polling / voting / ballot box with it's lovely, hand painted lettering oozes charm and could probably tell a tale or two! The box probably originates from a lodge / society or similar and would have been passed around the meeting table so that members could drop balls / discs / tokens through the holes in the top to privately cast their votes. To the rear of the draw are typed labels explaining how the numbers of for vs. against votes determines the outcome. 

 

The piece is almost definitely English and dates to the early 20th century. Over the decades it has developed a lovely surface patination - I'm particularly fond of the wear around the handle caused by years of passing the box around. There's scuffing, scratching and wear all commensurate with age and use and in my opinion this all add's to the piece's history / character. The original lock remains in place though there's no key for it. 

 

A very interesting and decorative piece, the box measures 32cm wide x 17.5cm high x 22cm deep. 

 

S/N: #1265