A fantastic late 19th Century Alice in Wonderland pressed brass novelty money box, attributed to SY Schreckinger. The sides of the money box are impressed with characters from the tale - The Duchess, The Knave of Hearts, The Queen and The Mad Hatter. The grinning Cheshire Cat is on the top of the box and his open mouth is the slot to put the money in. The side and the base of the money box are marked 'Prov.Pat.16808/07'.
The design of the box is very clever indeed. The base slides out to reveal a panel with Alice on. This in turn folds out and reveals a false base inside the box which you push to get to the money that has been put in the top.
It measures approximately 4" (10cm) square and 4" high.
It is a superb piece and it has clearly been well looked after. There are a few small dinks here and there but no major dents or damage. I have not over polished the brass and instead left some of its natural patina but it could easily be further polished if desired.
