Instantaneous Light Box of thin iron; rectangular (size 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/4 ins), with deep hinged lid; exterior and itnerior both japanned dark brown, with broad gilt borders; contains an elaborate mechanical contrivance, patented by Henry Berry in 1824 (patent no. 4927), for enabling anyone lying in bed or otherwise to procure a light in the dark by merely pulling a string; when the string, which passes over a pulley, was pulled, the glass stopper of the acid-bottle was lifted, a match was brought in contact with and was ignited by the acid on its long stopper, and the lighted match was then moved on, lighting a small spirit-lamp; inscribed inside "In hoc lumine vinces" over a family crest (a demi-lion holding a flaming torch) and the monogram "H.B."; stamped "1706"; inside, a separate small removable box with hinged lid for matches; the pulley-support removable to pack inside when box is closed; one other example only is known to exist. England. [NB - A list and the annotated Bryant and May catalogue note that a photograph was acquired with this object].