York Minster, circular box of wood recovered after the great fire there in 1840

The attractive box, with a twist off lid, has a diameter of 3¼ ins diameter [85mm] and the central base metal medallion measures 1¾ ins, 45mm. Originally the box would have had a glass lunette over the medallion [a watch glass might be found to fit]. The wording around the medallion reads THE SOUTH WEST TOWER BELLS CLOCK TOWER & NAVE DESTROYED BY FIRE 1840. In the exergue is added YORK MINSTER 1829. The significance of the second date is that it was the year of a previous fire. The inside of the base is stamped with the archbishopric’s crossed keys.    jun27/4   SOLD 26th March 2024