Victoria, Letters Patent affixed to the Seal appointing James Hosken, Engineer, dated 20 January 1871, for 14 Years, renewed on 7 January 1874 and 12 January 1878. Letter very fine and crisp, Seal with minor circumferential knock at top; housed in original darkened metal case, diam. 173mm, and with original inlaid wooden box, lid with Royal arms in gilt [this slightly distressed] £200-£300

James Hosken, engineer, 58 Fenchurch street, London, was awarded his Letters Patent for his invention described as “Improvements in automatic apparatus for controlling the flow of liquids from constant supply pipes or vessels”