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ID #SA1186739
FOR SALE
£800
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A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells
For sale by M Lees and Sons
for sale €936     $1,016
£800
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2013
Browse dealers 370 items
  • About Us
    M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
  • Trade Associations
    M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1186739
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A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells

19th century
For Sale by M Lees and Sons
Description

A fine quality early C19th Regency period rosewood and parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” specimen wood inlaid top casket or box.containing a collection of exotic sea-shells.

The top composed of various specimens of rare and exotic timbers in a “Tumbling Block” design , including walnut, maple , ebony , palm, satinwood , rosewood and mahogany . The edges all with pale box-wood stringing.

The interior retaining it’s original pink lining paper and having sycamore divisions forming compartments.

The centre of the base having an original oval printed paper retailer’s trade label “Dunnetts , Toy & Tunbridge Ware Repository, No.3 Cheapside , London” . The company sold luxury goods and bijou items (“Toys” ) in addition to fashionable items of Tunbridge Ware.

The underside of the base fitted its original green baize felt lining . Fitted with the original working lock and key .

In excellent original condition with a rich colour and patina.

Conchology , the collecting of sea-shells , together with other specimens from the natural world, were popular pastimes for the gentry during the early nineteenth century.

*items featuring this type of parquetry and exotic wood designs were produced as part of an industry centred around Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in Kent during the C18th and C19th centuries.

**a similar box also bearing Dunnetts trade label, without shell collection , sold by Christie’s London 04/10/2011 Sale No. 2385 Lot no .382 £750

H 3.5”

W 11”

D 9”

England c.1810

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Regency Tunbridge Ware Box to the Regency era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
9cm (3.54")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1186739
Dealers Internal Reference
ML 2512
Dealers Notes

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.

Description
A fine quality early C19th Regency period rosewood and parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” specimen wood inlaid top casket or box.containing a collection of exotic sea-shells.
“
The top composed of various specimens of rare and exotic timbers in a “Tumbling Block” design , including walnut, maple , ebony , palm, satinwood , rosewood and mahogany.
M Lees and Sons

. The edges all with pale box-wood stringing.

fig 1. A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
fig 1. A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells

The interior retaining it’s original pink lining paper and having sycamore divisions forming compartments.

The centre of the base having an original oval printed paper retailer’s trade label “Dunnetts , Toy & Tunbridge Ware Repository, No.3 Cheapside , London” . The company sold luxury goods and bijou items (“Toys” ) in addition to fashionable items of Tunbridge Ware.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
fig 2. A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells

The underside of the base fitted its original green baize felt lining . Fitted with the original working lock and key .

In excellent original condition with a rich colour and patina.

Conchology , the collecting of sea-shells , together with other specimens from the natural world, were popular pastimes for the gentry during the early nineteenth century.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
fig 3. A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells

items featuring this type of parquetry and exotic wood designs were produced as part of an industry centred around Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in Kent during the C18th and C19th centuries.

a similar box also bearing Dunnetts trade label, without shell collection , sold by Christie’s London 04/10/2011 Sale No. 2385 Lot no .382 £750

H 3.5”

W 11”

D 9”

England c.1810

Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Regency Tunbridge Ware Box to the Regency era.

Height
9cm (3.54")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1186739
Dealers Internal Ref
ML 2512
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2013

M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Lees and Sons Profile Page

Trade Associations

M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
1 / 14
Archive I A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.

A Fine Quality Early C19th Regency Period Rosewood and Parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” Specimen Wood Inlaid Top Casket or Box Containing a Collection of Exotic Sea-shells

Archive II A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View VII
Archive VIII A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View VIII
Archive IX A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View IX
Archive X A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View X
Archive XI A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View XI
Archive XII A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View XII
Archive XIII A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View XIII
Archive XIV A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons
Telephone 07860 826218 or 01905 26620
Location
Tower House
1 Castle Place
Severn St
Worcester
WR1 2NB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified Since Feb 2013
Items For Sale 370
Items Sold 1,601
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Verified Since Feb 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Tower House, 1 Castle Place, Severn St, Worcester, WR1 2NB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified
Feb 2013
For Sale
370
Sold
1,601
A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
A fine quality early C19th Regency period rosewood and parquetry “Tunbridge Ware” specimen wood inlaid top casket or box containing a collection of exotic sea-shells
Ref: SA1186739
A nineteenth-century rectangular rosewood box featuring a geometric specimen wood parquetry lid and a central keyhole.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
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Archival Detail

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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleRegency
  • MaterialRosewood, Specimen Woods
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsGeometric parquetry, Specimen wood inlay, Diamond escutcheon
  • SizeH 9 cm (4 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 23 cm (9 in)

This Regency period rosewood and Tunbridge Ware specimen wood inlaid casket is rectangular in form with a hinged lid and a central diamond-shaped escutcheon holding a small key. The lid displays a geometric tumbling block parquetry pattern composed of various rare and exotic timbers including walnut, maple, ebony, palm, satinwood, rosewood and mahogany, all framed by pale boxwood stringing along the edges. The dark brown polished wooden body has a high-gloss finish and stands on a flat base. The dimensions measure 9 cm high, 28 cm wide and 23 cm deep. Suitable for placement on a living room sideboard or study desk, the box provides a refined storage solution for small accessories, jewellery or desk items. The interior contains sycamore compartments lined with original pink paper, while the base retains an oval printed retailer label and a green baize felt underside. Complete with a working lock and key, the piece exhibits rich colour and patina across its polished surfaces.

FAQs

Tunbridge Ware refers to decorative wooden items decorated with intricate parquetry or mosaic patterns composed of distinct specimen woods. Originating in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England, during the eighteenth century, this craft reached its peak popularity during the Regency and Victorian eras.

Craftsmen utilised various native and imported timber species to create contrasting patterns without dyes. Common woods include rosewood, walnut, yew, holly, oak, and plum, arranged in geometric tessellations or micro-mosaic blocks.

Authentic period pieces show evidence of natural wood age, fine joinery, thin wood veneers, and hand-cut dovetail joints inside the casing. Authentic specimens use natural wood tones rather than artificially stained woods and often retain original metal lock escutcheons.

A decorative wooden casket serves as a focal point when positioned on a sideboard top, coffee table, or desk. It functions effectively as a container for small items or as a standalone object paired with ceramics and books.

Keep wooden antiques away from direct sunlight, radiators, and rapid fluctuations in humidity to prevent veneer lifting or wood split. Clean gently with a soft microfibre cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish sparingly to maintain the original finish.
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