Tradesman’s Sample Board.

A rare and highly decorative collection of 18 embossed metal “Tin Taccer Plates,” originally produced as tradesman’s samples, each displaying a distinct pattern and coloured finish. These small plates—likely used by travelling salesmen or workshop representatives—demonstrate the range of designs available, from geometric motifs to stylised foliage and acorn patterns, all retaining their original hand-written labels noting pattern numbers and colours.

The samples are carefully mounted on linen and presented within a fine, original mahogany frame stamped by Holland & Sons, one of the most prestigious cabinet-making firms of the 19th century, known for supplying the highest quality furnishings to royalty and major institutions. The reverse retains a paper label referencing the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington (S.W.7), indicating the frame was made for institutional or exhibition use.