Object number
61/244/207
Collection
Description
19th C. English brass box, rectangular with a hinged lid. Engraved with an imagined flying machine, apparently worked by steam.
This early 19th Century English brass box is rectangular with a detachable, hinged lid. The lid is engraved with the title "Modern Prophecy" above an image of an imagined flying machine, apparently worked by steam, which is flying above the moon and houses. The box could possibly have been used as a snuff box or a card case.
Physical description
1 box; brass
Archival history
This box was included in the donation of a collection of brass poleheads known as the Jardine Collection after their previous owner, John Jardine. Club brasses, mounted on poles, were carried in procession by the members of village clubs on their annual ‘walks’. These clubs were parish friendly societies formed to provide some insurance for their members against sickness or death, though in addition they played an important part in the social life of the village. The majority of these societies dated from about 1793 when the Government passed an act to encourage their foundation. Several more acts followed during the first 60 years of the 19th century, until excessive government protection led to the decline of the clubs. A few however remained in existence until the National Insurance Act of 1911. Most clubs had a strict code of behaviour laid down in their constitutions and usually the annual meeting was followed by a church service and a ‘walk’ round the parish. Although poles were carried in this procession in many districts, the use of brass heads was confined to Somerset and the adjoining counties. The design of the brasses was sometimes conventional or sometimes represented an interest of the club such as the inn in which the meetings were held.
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