Specimen Wood Jewellery Box + Fitted Tray c.1830

Please see my stock page for one of the largest selection of jewellery boxes and writing boxes available on this website. Specimen wood boxes have become increasingly difficult to obtain over the past 2-3 years in particular those in extremely good condition. They were particularly popular during the early-mid 1800’s when a wider variety of tropical woods became available. This particular example is in quite a rare to find condition. Unspoilt mellow patina. The lid comprises of a top panel made up of 16 sections with a star like inlay to the centre and features a variety of 4 different veneers. The outer frame to the panel is the same veneer as all other aspects of the box exterior. All veneer is complete and in excellent condition. There is a possibility that the wooden escutcheon is a replacement and was originally bone or ivory but this is very common on boxes of the period and the kite style is certainly correct. The lid closes square and true. Hinges and lock in excellent condition with a replacement working key supplied. The tray to the box interior features lacquered natural wood throughout. Please note the use of the same main veneer as the box exterior to the interior carcass edging, all original and complete. The thickness of the veneer on the edging in conjunction with what can be seen from the base of the box and the sides of the lid exterior would, as with the box style suggest that this box was made during the early-mid 1800’s. The box has the significant bonus of still having the original tray complete with all of the dividers and lids. The tray and all dividers is of solid mahogany construction with hand cut dovetail joints to the tray corners. All of the lids complement the veneers used to the lid exterior but rather than being thick veneer are solid wood. Please note the presence of the finely turned knobs…..all original and in splendid condition. The tray construction, dovetail joints, solid wood lids all factors that once again support the date estimate for the box. Given the degree of original features and condition throughout it is obvious that this box has had very little use over the course of 170+ years! Possibly originally made to serve as a sewing/work box this item would now be ideal for use as a jewellery box the 14 sections within the tray being ideal for those smaller items of jewellery and the storage space beneath for those larger items. The various patterns that featured on specimen wood boxes are timeless in design as they display equally well in a traditional ‘olde worlde’ or modernist setting…..possibly the reason for them becoming increasingly difficult to obtain? Excellent item for use and/or investment piece. Must Recommend.