Dumfries Freedom Box

Acquisition of the Dumfries Freedom box, silver and silver gilt, by Alexander Gairdner, Edinburgh, 1793. Decorated with cut and pierced openwork and engraved on the reverse with domestic scenes. Presented in 1793 to Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, by the Burgh of Dumfries for his role in obtaining the abolition of the duty on watervorne coal. Contains the Freedom (on paper) of the Burgh of Dumfries. Gairdner was jeweller to the Prince of Wales.