Royal National Life-Boat Institution Tinplate Collecting Box, Circa 1920
Royal National Life-Boat Institution Tinplate Collecting Box, Circa 1920
7796
A wonderfully evocative early Royal National Life-Boat Institution collecting box, dating to circa 1920 and made from painted tinplate in the form of a lifeboat. Measuring an impressive 37 cm in length, it retains its original blue, white, and red painted decoration, including the inscription: "Contributions for the Royal National Life Boat Institution."
The model boat incorporates a coin slot in the deck and a lockable collection compartment below, designed to safeguard donations until they could be collected. Such boxes were placed in shops, public houses, and other public premises, where they served as a familiar appeal for support of the RNLI's lifesaving work around the British and Irish coasts.
The collecting box is accompanied by a paper packet of donor pin badges and is supplied with a recently cut key. Its surface shows the appealing paint wear, patination, and small signs of handling expected after a century of public use-evidence of the object's working life rather than detractions.
A highly displayable piece of maritime and social-history ephemera, combining the charm of a period tin toy with the enduring story of one of Britain's best-loved charitable institutions. A rare survivor with strong visual presence and considerable historical appeal.
Dimensions:
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.emmettandwhite.co.uk/decorative/royal-national-life-boat-institution-tinplate-collecting-box-circa-1920&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/emmett_84GhgetY64730-U84534/stock/6aad1791a970d_457_7796.jpg&description=A wonderfully evocative early Royal National Life-Boat Institution collecting box, dating to circa 1920 and made from painted tinplate in the form of a lifeboat. Measuring an impressive 37 cm in length, it retains its original blue, white, and red painted decoration, including the inscription: "Contributions for the Royal National Life Boat Institution."The model boat incorporates a coin slot in the deck and a lockable collection compartment below, designed to safeguard donations until they could be collected. Such boxes were placed in shops, public houses, and other public premises, where they served as a familiar appeal for support of the RNLI's lifesaving work around the British and Irish coasts.The collecting box is accompanied by a paper packet of donor pin badges and is supplied with a recently cut key. Its surface shows the appealing paint wear, patination, and small signs of handling expected after a century of public use-evidence of the object's working life rather than detractions.A highly displayable piece of maritime and social-history ephemera, combining the charm of a period tin toy with the enduring story of one of Britain's best-loved charitable institutions. A rare survivor with strong visual presence and considerable historical appeal.){kind=link}