In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
This is then further inalid with a beautiful swirling mother of pearl design. The top and front of the box around the key hole are further decorated with a central mother of pearl cartouche, surrounded by tunbridge inlay on a contrasting background.
Inside the box is fully fitted with 11 various glass bottles and pots, all with silver plated lids and star cut bases. The main interior of the box lifts out to reveal further storage space beneath to sore items such as brushes or combs.
The lid of the box houses a mirror. It is backed in beautiful rouched red velvet and there is a catch in the lid which releases the mirror so it can be turned around to display the velvet when not in use. Behind the mirror is a letter compartment for storing important documents, all surrounded and decorated with the finest gilded red leather inlay.
On the side of the box is a small button which releases a drawer in the bottom of the box. Lined in satin and velvet, it is used for storing jewellery and there is a section for rings and also a watch.
Every aspect of the box has been made to the highest standard. No expense was spared in the making of this box and the detail and the craftsmen ship is just superb. The tunbridge inlay has been continued throughout the inside of the box around every little compartment to match the outside. The mirror is edged in gold coloured detailing and the letter rack and jewellery drawer are beautifully detailed to match the box as well.
It is in excellent condition for its age and is certainly one of the nicest and most original examples I have seen. It has been used but it has been treasured and very well looked after. Being almost 150 years old it is not without a few small faults but overall the piece displays beautifully. As is often the case the main carcass has shrunk a tad over the period of 150+ years and there are some very slight hairline fractures to the veneer and also a slight knock on the back corner but as can be seen from the numerous photographs they do not detract from what is a fine looking item. Some of the silver plated lids have small dents and dinks in them but nothing major and the glass bottles themselves are free from cracks or chips with a bright finish on the plating. The lining of the jewellery drawer has torn slightly and is showing some of the white padding below and it is also missing one of the dividers. There are also a few small scuffs around the mirror section where it has been taken in and out so many times. It is also worth noting that the lid of one of the rectangular pots does not match the others in that the engraved pattern is slightly different.
The box comes with its original key and lock which is in working order. The box has been lightly cleaned and the silver bottles polished and it is ready for use.
This truly is a stunning piece that anybody would be lucky to own. The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions or would like more details please get in touch.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
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Victorian Ladies Vanity Box Rosewood Tunbridge and Mother of Pearl Inlay with Silver Plated Interior
