Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Supported on a shaped central pillar leading to quatrefoil legs and decorated with gilding and Mother-of-pearl inlay, the lid opens to reveal the original fitted interior complete with its full set of tools and implements including: set of 7 large MOP cotton reels; set of 5 smaller MOP reels; tape measure; sander; waxer; set of 5 (of 6) MOP winders and silver handled scissors; penknife etc and an unusual silver thimble. Lovely condition.

Although papier maché was evident in Europe as early as 1725, it was not till 1847 that Theodore Jennens patented a process of steaming and pressing laminated sheets of papier maché, often laid on to wood for strength, to make trays, boxes and sometimes pieces of furniture. It is remarkably strong and even suites of chairs in papier maché can occasionally be seen.
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Fine antiques at sensible prices
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