Antique L&Y Railway Co. Bury Branch Orphanage Fund Wooden Collection Box – Hand Painted Charity RailwayanaA rare survivor of both railway and social history – this late Victorian to Edwardian wooden collection box was used by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Co. (L&Y Railway) Bury Branch to raise money for the company’s Orphanage Fund.The box is hand painted in white gothic script on black, reading “Bury Branch L&Y Railway Co. Orphanage Fund.” Constructed in wood, it has a slot to the top for coins and a hinged rear panel with its original clasp. These boxes would have been placed in stations, offices, or public areas to collect donations.Funds raised went to support the Railway Servants’ Orphanage (founded in 1875 at Derby), which cared for children of railway workers who had died, often through accidents in the dangerous railway industry. This makes the box not just a piece of railwayana but a poignant reminder of the social welfare and community spirit within Britain’s railways.ConditionSolid and sound with surface wear, scuffs, and paint loss consistent with age and decades of use. The hand-painted lettering remains clear and characterful, and the rear panel with clasp is intact. A genuine working piece with wonderful patina.DimensionsH: 10.8cm x W: 46.5cm D: 14.8cmEraCirca 1880-1910_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________PhotographsPlease see our listing photographs as these form part of our listing description. We have tried to show the item from several angles to give you a good overall view.Other itemsWe have other antique, vintage and collectible items available in our eBay shop and on our own website.PostageEvery item we send is carefully packaged to prevent damage. Where we can, we use recycled packaging or packaging made from recycled materials.Combined postageIf you are buying multiple items, please contact us before payment so we can combine postage.
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