Spittle Brothers / Art Fittings Limited hammered copper cigar box, Birmingham England circa 1903. Designed and crafted by Norman Spittle and retailed by their London showroom, Art Fittings Ltd around 1902/4. In 1903, Gustav Stickley visited London and purchased a few dozen objects from Art Fittings, many of which became the foundation for his own metal shop designs. This rare copper cigar box form was purchased by Gustav Stickley on this trip and exhibited in his seminal Rochester show in 1904 (see photo). In 1905, Stickley published his first metalwork catalog and put this box into production, but opted for the version with the loop handle and removable lid. This box form is exceedingly rare, we have only ever seen two; both of which we purchased directly from a collector in Birmingham. Unsigned. Original red & brown patina & cedar interior box (no lid). 11.5″w x 7.5″d x 6.75″h. SOLD
