1838 Royal Exchange London Fire Relic Turned Oak Treen Box. An attractive early Victorian commemorative turned oak treen box made from timber associated with the destruction of the Royal Exchange, London, by fire on 10th January 1838. The lid is inset with an engraved presentation plaque reading "A Relic of The Royal Exchange London Destroyed by Fire 10th Jan. 1838". The plaque appears to be silver or white metal but is unhallmarked and is therefore being sold as untested. The box measures approximately 4 inches (10cm) in diameter and 1 inch (2.5cm) deep. As is often found with early turned oak pieces, there are age-related drying cracks to both the lid and base. These have been stabilised in the past with old metal staple repairs which appear to be of considerable age and form part of the history of the piece. The repairs are firm and the box displays well with an attractive, untouched patina throughout. A fascinating survivor connected with one of the most significant fires in Victorian London and an increasingly difficult commemorative item to find, making it an excellent addition for collectors of treen, Royal Exchange memorabilia, City of London history or nineteenth-century historical relics. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and condition.
 
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