Quality Inlaid Victorian Rosewood Jewellery Work Box.original Tray. C1860

Please see my stock page for the largest selection of jewellery boxes available on this website. High quality inlaid rosewood box in very fine condition. Unspoilt patina. No missing or replaced veneer. The lid closes perfectly square on the original brass ‘stop’ hinges. Original lock (key for decorative purposes only). Original panel to the lid interior with the original Mother of Pearl swing clasp that when released allows the panel to fold forward to provide access to a ‘love letter’ storage envelope. The original tray with all of the original dividers, lids, twin Mother of Pearl knobs still present. Storage space beneath the tray, in common with the lid interior and all sections of the tray, with the original lining. The condition throughout would suggest that this box had had very little use. The side folds to the love letter envelope are fully intact, the envelope interior clean, stitching to the retaining hoops on the top of the central lid still intact, cross over ribbon to the front of the lid panel in perfect condition etc. It is however the quality of the inlays to the exterior that sets this box apart from most. Other than a Tiny loss of Mother of Pearl to the left edge of the key hole Every part of the inlay is original, complete and in superb condition. Please note extremely subtle diagonal lines on the outer straight Mother of Pearl strips and the extremely tiny incised lines on the tiny flowers and the corner, mid point brass inlays and surrounds to the cartouche and escutcheon. Add to that the skills required to inlay the extremely fine and intricate brass….It is difficult to inlay relatively straight brass strips but to do such precise swirling curves with such fine brass is truly incredible!!! The style of inlay was I believe pioneered in France during the 1830’s- 1840’s and influenced makers in other countries including England. Most tended to be made between c1840 – c1870…..few have survived in such fine condition. These boxes were originally made to serve as sewing-work boxes and were made in a very large range of styles and quality. Akin to dressing/vanity boxes the quality frequently was a statement of status. Nowadays they are for the most part put to use as jewellery boxes. Be that to be used, presented as a gift to mark a ‘special’ occasion or retained as an investment piece this box comes Very Highly Recommended. Unpacked weight 1.8Kg