Brass case, probably designed as a calendar but at one time owned by Gypsies, With hinged lid, hinge of copper with white metal nails.

Oblong with rounded ends; 17 x 5 cm. and 3 cm. deep. Low Countries, 17th century? May have been intended (see Tolson letter, no. 1127) (a) to assimilate the Julian and Gregorian systems, and (f>) as a perpetual calendar; calendar numbers on lid and base. Figures: lid: (1) Julius Caesar (legend “Voor Krist 45”); (2) Pope Gregory XIII (legend “1582”); base: (3) Nicholas Copernicus (legend “1497”). Inscription at opposite end of base: “Die deese doos draagt in de sak Hoeft nooijt geen ander almanak” (Whoso carries this box in his pocket Needs no other almanack”. On front: “Regt Door Zee” (Straightforward); on back, inscription hidden by hinge (apparently a replacement). Accompanied by cutting from The graphic, 4 May 1889, recording its sale by David Lee and other Gypsies to George Smith of Coalville on Plaistow Marshes in November 1888, but making some misinterpretations. The box may have been used for fortune-telling. With Canon Irton Smith’s presentation note to Lionel Cresswell, “I. S. to L. C. Purchased at the Red Cross Depot Pall Mall S. W. July 1916”. Presented by Margaret Cresswell to Mrs McGrigor Phillips, 11 November 1942 (see letter, no. 1093).