Aramis Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
The internal drawers are made of mahogany. The box has brass carry handles on the two solid sides.
The box has three compartments - top, front and back - and all three can only be unlocked when the top lid is unlocked with the key.
The top interior reveals two long narrow compartments (possibly for instruments) and a deeper central divided 4 part section for bottles.
The front interior reveals six bottle spaces above a set of graduated drawers. Some drawers are labelled. Each upper drawer contains four lidded compartments. The middle drawers contain two lidded compartments. The lower drawers hold one compartment each.
The back interior reveals eight spaces for bottles.
When the lid is unlocked and opened, the front and back are kept closed by two external hook and keepers, even though they will be unlocked as well. The genius touch is that the top cannot be closed and locked on its own - both front and back panels must be closed in order for the lock to work. This ensures the precious medical or chemical contents will never fall out accidentally - a brilliant piece of cabinet making!
Aramis Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Aramis Antiques Profile Page
Early 19thc Hardwood Apothecary Medicine Cabinet Box C1800
