S07-010. English, 4th quarter 19th century, with a trade label in the lid for "LETCHER BROTHERS, TRURO & ST. DAY, Cornwall" and "The Complete Set of Blowpipe Apparatus, as Specially Designed for - MANDY PRIZE - ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS." The 15 1/2" x 9" x 8 1/2" polished mahogany case has a 3 1/2" deep drawer with brass handles in the base for reagents (containing 18 of the original 28 glass-stoppered bottles), a removable 14 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 1 3/4" mahogany block in the top with fittings for 34 individual pieces (23 present), a removable 12 3/8" x 3" x 2" box for the assay balance & its accessories, and fittings in the top for assorted glassware and over 20 other individual pieces (15 present). The mahogany case is in very good overall condition, covered with its original worn leather outer case. All of the apparatus in the case are in very good to mint overall condition. This very large presentation blowpipe set is very probably unique, being specially made as the "MANDY PRIZE." It is missing a number of the original pieces, but is still a very attractive set for display.
