Th ehive you mentioned is a Stewarton hive, built in the 1870's in Ayrshire
in Scotland, sold locally and also through Alfred Neighbour's business in
High Holborn in London. Neighbour discussed it in 'The Apiary, or Bees, Bee
Hives and Bee-culture' - I do not have the first edition, but do have the
third, published in 1878. In his catalogue of that year, he priced it at #1
1sh, commenting that the handwork, and price of the Scottish woodworkers was
impossible to beat.
 
I was fortunate enough to have the use of one at the College of Agriculture
in Aberdeen. It has many interesting features, and I made drawings of it. The
workmanship is very fine. The method of operation was different from other
hives. I regret that at the moment I am busy with other jobs, and cannot give
many details, but if anyone is really interested, I can copy Neighbour's book
, and the drawings I have done. I may even be able to get hold of a
contemporary pamphlet on management.
 
The hive is a clever design, and takes advantage of bee behaviour in a
skilled way. The hives were regularly moved, and the complete supers of honey
sold, apparently a handsome display in the more up-market grocers of Glasgow
and area.
 
Regards
 
Matthew J Allan