From Watson’s Tin Box: The Retired Colourman | The Fourth Garrideb

“Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatch-box with my name, John H. Watson, MD, Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid.”

– The Problem of Thor Bridge (THOR)

Holmes took a rather soiled card from the table. ‘Josiah Amberley.’ ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion that meets in Columbia, Maryland, shares a few select items from their tin evidence box for The Retired Colourman, with us here at The Fourth Garrideb. These evidence boxes were originally created by the late Paul Churchill, BSI, one of the founders of Watson’s Tin Box and contains both genuine artifacts and genuine faux reproductions that he (and others) created. These items create a great deal of discussion at their monthly meetings and we hope it will do the same here. Enjoy!

“Holmes glanced over some notes which he had scribbled upon the back of an envelope.” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

“Early in 1897 he married a woman twenty years younger than himself – a good-looking woman, too, if the photograph does not flatter.” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

“It would appear that Amberley has one hobby in life, and it is chess.” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

” ‘A tall, dark, heavilymoustached man, you say, with grey-tinted sunglasses?'” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

“‘I’ve had a telegram, Mr Holmes. I can make nothing of it.’ He handed it over, and Holmes read it aloud. Come at once without fail. Can give you information as to your recent loss. – ELMAN. The Vicarage.” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

“There was a telephone, however, at the little ‘Railway Arms’, and by it I got into touch with Holmes, who shared in our amazement at the result of our journey.” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

“‘That’s how I read it. If you find an indelible pencil on the body-‘” ~ WTB RETI Evidence Box

Thanks to Beth Austin for the photographs in this post. Thanks to the 42nd Garrideb, Denny Dobry, for his assistance with this post. Thanks also to Debbie Clark, the 58th Garrideb, the current keeper of the evidence boxes.

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion in Columbia, MD, is one of the most active Sherlockian groups in the Middle Atlantic region, Generally meeting on the last Monday of each month, the meetings feature canonical toasts, good conversations and dining, as well as a discussion of the month’s featured story and an educational presentation. For more information about Watson’s Tin Box, please visit their website HERE.

A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars