A striking pair of original Victorian hand-colored engraved transfer lithograph prints, depicting two iconic interiors within the Tower of London: The Tower Horse Armoury and The Jewel Room at the Tower. Both works are presented behind glass and housed in elegant antique giltwood frames with finely detailed beaded and foliate molding, creating a refined old-world collector’s presentation suitable for high-end interiors and design collections.
Proof of Age & Technique
These prints are confidently dated to the 19th century (circa 1850–1890) based on material and production characteristics:
Hand-applied watercolor pigments sit over engraved linework — not mechanically color-printed — a hallmark of Victorian finishing techniques
Engraved transfer lithographic process, widely used in Britain throughout the 1800s
Framing package includes square-cut, machine-sheared steel nails (common 1810–1880s) alongside early transitional brad nails.
A later framer’s label remains preserved on the reverse, documenting a subsequent period of framing or servicing — a normal and respected practice for presenting 19th-century prints for modern collectors without impacting the artwork’s original age.
Country of Origin: England
School: British Victorian engraving and lithographic tradition
Medium: Engraving transferred to lithograph, hand-colored with watercolor pigments
Estimated Period: Victorian era, 19th century
Condition
Beautiful antique patina throughout both frames. Light moisture toning/discoloration present beneath the glass. Prints remain crisp, fully legible, and visually stable. Frames are structurally sound and display-ready. Not examined outside the frames.
Styling & Display Suggestions
This pair is ideal for:
A designer gallery wall with old-money appeal
Flanking a mantle, console, or entry vignette for symmetrical impact
English country, traditional luxe, or desert-collected interiors (Santa Fe meets London heritage)
Styling with brass accents, leather-bound books, antique boxes, or museum curiosities
Dimensions:
The Tower Horse Armoury: 13.25" Wide, 13.25" Tall, .75" Deep
The Jewel Room at the Tower: 13.25" Wide, 11.75" Tall, .75" Deep
