Unusual Mahogany Jewellery / Table Box - 2 Secret Drawers c.1840

This is a very unusual mahogany box both in terms of style and features. Very thick mahogany veneer with the grain running in the opposite direction to that seen on the vast majority of antique boxes. Six sided. Contrasting inlaid escutcheon thought to be original. All veneer is original and complete. Contoured base. Lid closes perfectly square. Hinges in good condition. The lock is probably a replacement, is in good working order and comes complete with a replacement working key. The box has been neatly relined, all is in spotless condition and free of tears. The base of the left side can be pulled out to reveal a secret drawer and once removed an additional secret drawer can be accessed. The drawer fittings feature hand cut joints. This is a difficult item to date with confidence. It is rare to come across any antique box with the design of secret sections such as this though I have seen the likes of a couple of very high quality, made in France during the 1820-1830’s. The thickness of the veneer and the hand cut joints would suggest the first few decades of the 1800’s but it is possibly a little later and perhaps an apprentice piece hence I have dated post Georgian? The joints, though certainly hand cut lack the finesse to be expected on a high quality piece. Regardless of date and origin it is a stylish, unusual and interesting piece of antique woodenware.