Historical information

Inside the silver box is a lock of hair with a handwritten note - Grandfather's hair Sept 9th 1899.

Physical description

A small rectangular ornately engraved and decorated lidded box with a linear pattern overall on the outside of the lid, sides and bottom. It has a scalloped shape on all edges. Inside is a lock of Grandfather's hair wrapped in a folded piece of paper with writing describing who it is from and the date. Inside on the lid bottom of the box are engravings of the maker.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscribed on the outside of the lid in an ornate rectangular scalloped shape: Presented to Mr. George Birrell MECHANIC By his Fellow Workmen as a token of respect on his leaving for Australia 11th July 1851 GLASGOW
Inside the lid top are three stamps: one is a face in a circle, next to it a rectangle with ES and the third is not recognisable. On the bottom of the box are three stamps: one is in the shape of a shield with a cross in the middle, next is a rectangle with ES and the third appears to be a moon shape.