Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Summary:
• Item: Mandalay Box
• Circa: 1860
• Provenance: Burma
• Period: Mid Victorian
• Wood: Teak
• Offered as a gift to a loved one
• Used as a travelling box
• Decorative brass inlay & strapping to exterior
• Floral shaped brass marquetry to the lid and front
• Stained wood decoration depicting elephants
• Oval shaped stained wood keyhole surround
• Original brass hinges
• Internal rectangular mirror
• 7 Internal compartments (5 hinged lids)
• Original chiming locking mechanism (with key)
• 2 internal secret compartments
• Original polish & patination
• Excellent original condition
• Very rare item
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Description:
The inner perimeter consists of a twin line of brass string inlay incorporating straight lines with scroll ends. The centre of the lid is adorned with a depiction of a pair of stained wood elephants, placed either side of a tree. Below this is a string inlay inscription: “M.D.Y. BOX.” The front of the Mandalay box boasts profuse, intricate, dotted swirling patterns of brass string inlay. The box also incorporates brass corner straps to all outer sides. This Mandalay box boasts a very rare chiming locking mechanism lock (with key), along with the original key. The purpose of the chiming lock was that the owner, or nearby persons, would be able to hear if thieves were trying to un-lock the box and steal its contents! When the key is turned, an audible bell rings several times. The box opens to reveal and intricately detailed, carved lid interior in floral and circular patterns. The lid interior also features faux flower decoration and a central rectangular mirror. The interior boasts seven compartments, including five with hinged, carved lids. The centre-right compartment contains a hook with can be used for storing the key, if desired. The far-right compartment includes a hidden feature: the floor can be slid open to reveal an eighth, hidden compartment – ideal for the storage of jewellery or other small valuables. The central square of five compartments also lifts out to unveil a ninth compartment.
Condition Report:
The box is in good original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Nominal old use marks to the exterior and leading edges of the box, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There is no missing brass marquetry, string inlay or brass strapping. There are no missing compartments to the box. The internal mirror is original and in good condition. The box features its original external working lock, with a fully functioning chiming component and working key. The original brass hinges are also in good working order. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 24.8cm or 9¾”
Width = 55.5cm or 21” or 1ft 9”
Depth = 34.2cm or 13½” or 1ft 1½”
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.
International Buyers:
Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.
Ref. Box 25
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique Victorian Burmese Teak & Brass Chiming Colonial Campaign Mandalay Writing Jewellery Sewing Box (Circa 1880)
