Superb Rosewood and Brass Inlaid Travelling Dressing Case with Interior Fittings and Working Bramah Lock and Key.

19th century, circa 1850, beautiful and generously sized rosewood rectangular travelling vanity or dressing case with lovely brass inlay to both exterior and interior, and including a complete fitted interior plus secured lower drawer. These were used to carry personal items such as toiletries, jewellery, and writing implements, the essential things a person travelling in the 19th century would need.

An unusual box, in beautifully grained rosewood , with shaped brass cartouche to the rising lid, bearing an unusual family crest. There is also a flush fit drawer bearing a recessed military style handle, that for security can only be accessed when the lid is opened, and a pin is removed. The working lock and key is for a Bramah lock, the most secure and expensive lock, only fitted on the highest quality boxes, and fortunately the original key has been retained. There is a very elegant triple band of brass line inlay to both the front and top of the box.

The interior opens to reveal a red velvet lined case with double lined brass inlay to both the lid and box edges. The lid compartment lowers to reveal the original mirror with foxed glass.

The top interior compartment is divided, and holds a total of 10 beautiful cut glass bottles, 7 having a family crest, all with very good quality silver plated tops. 5 have plain lids, while the rest have a combination of bright and matt foliate and leaf engraved lids. All the cylindrical bottles have panel cut sides, faceted shoulders, and star cut bases. The two large square scent bottles have faceted shoulders as well, and retain their interior cut glass stoppers. The rectangular jars have pierced tops for ventilation. In addition, there is a built in pin cushion, and a set of mother of pearl handled tools including manicure tools, corkscrews, and a propelling pencil. The top tray removes to reveal a large empty storage compartment below. The manicure set also lifts up to reveal divided silk lined storage below. The lower flush fitted secure drawer (can only be accessed when box is open and pin removed) is also silk lined and divided to store jewellery.

A stunning box, and generous in size. It is a lovely size to use and display as a jewellery and scent box, and would make a great gift.

Size-12 inches long by 10 inches wide by 7 inches high.

Condition is very good overall, with just some minor bumps to two of the plain silver plate tops, and foxing on the original mirror glass.

A superb quality box for the box collector, with working Bramah lock and key. It is also a functional piece to use or to give as a gift.

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