** VGC MAUCHLINE PATON'S THREAD DISPLAY BOX **

YOU would be bidding here for a superb thread display box which qualifies as a quality item of  Mauchline Ware, because it was certainly made in the small Ayrshire town.

This held reels of linen thread made at John Paton’s mills in Johnstone, a few miles from Paisley, the home of Victorian textile giants J & P Coats, and Clark’s.

The box measures 8.75 inches by 8.25 inches by 2.25 inches deep and it contained 6 rows of thread reels. It's brass hook and eye fastener and the screwed hinges are sound and functional.

The box top and interior have terrific advertising labels and the front shows that a small red label could determine if the box was for UK use or export to America. The lid’s top price label has vanished in the mists of time, leaving a 5 cents a reel price underneath. The interior label is still present and shows the UK price of one penny a reel !

Paton’s who merged with English company James Baldwin early in the 20^th century to become a household name, also supplied thread for home use in a smaller Mauchline Ware six-spool container (still with the same transfer of Johnstone Mills on the lid), but these are even rarer than this box.

This is in really good condition with just a few signs of age and use. There is some writing on the interior label, but overall, it’s a quality item that would help grace any collection.

I've usually got some pieces of Mauchline, treen and other items of Victorian and vintage sewing interest in auction if you'd care to take a look. Just click on the "View Seller's Other Items" link in the top right hand corner of this page. I'm always happy to discount postage and packing charges for multiple purchases. Thanks for looking at this - and good luck ...