LOT Wintertons Lichfield  /  Fine Arts Auction  / 

549

A George III Scottish mahogany Friendly Society money chest, circa 1770, the rectangular hinged c...

Currency:GBP Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA
A George III Scottish mahogany Friendly Society money chest, circa 1770, the rectangular hinged c...
A George III Scottish mahogany Friendly Society money chest, circa 1770, the rectangular hinged cover with ebonised frieze and painted inscription "Instituted July 15th 1768", above second hinged opening to reveal a vacant interior with fitment to left side enclosing an inscribed "Cash" and "Till" box and six short drawers numbered 1-6, brass carrying handle, the front with triple painted city shield crest, leafy ornament above an octagonal framed verse inscribed, " We of the Lothians did unite, The Lawdable scheme to prosecute, With open hearts we sink our cash, To help our breatheren in distress", on a moulded base and bracket ogee moulded feet, oval lock escutcheons, pierced brass handles to either side, height 48cm 19 inches Width 64cm 25 inches depth 43cm 17 inches See Illustration £4000-6000
Footnote:- The gap between the rich and poor in eighteenth century Scotland was enormous. The lower classes had practically no input in to the profound social and economic changes that were being thrust upon them. Friendly societies formed to help the working classes protect themselves against severe hardship. Friendly societies movement grew in towns as industries began to develop in the mid 18th century. The Lothian chest to be offered for sale was seen as a solution to the problems people and their families knew they would face should they fall ill or die leaving their children or spouse with limited resources.
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