Webberley Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The carving is so delicately executed, deep and fine, each panel must have taken a month of steady work.
The box is early 1700s and original had split wire hinges but these have been replaced with small steel hinges which appear 19th century.
The bible inside this box was clearly much treasured and valued.
It is inscribed to ‘Mary with much love from Daddy, Christmas 1929’ and contains pressed four leaf clovers, cards of Baptism of other members of Mary’s family, small notes, bookmarks and pressed flowers.
I believe that Mary may have married Edward Paul Fooks whose grandfather was the Reverend Thomas Fooks of Hartley in Kent.
Whilst the box is late 1600s in date the carving is later and mentions several names, it may eveb have been carved by Mary’s father before being given to his much loved daughter in 1929.
A very emotive and beautiful time capsule.
Dimensions are:
12 inches wide, 4 inches high, 7 inches deep.
For metric please multiply by 2.5
Webberley Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Specialists in 18th century and earlier furniture for more than 45 years
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Webberley Antiques Profile Page
Small Well Carved Bible Box with Bible Dated 1722
