Description:  JB302: Antique figured rosewood box with rounded edges, inlaid to the top and front with fine inlays of mother of pearl and white metal depicting stylized curved foliage, the box  having a liftout tray, a separately locked side drawer fitted for jewelry, and  in the lid a document wallet with gold tooling and velvet. The box was made by T. Dalton, Manufacturer, 65 the Quadrant, Regent Street, London, Circa 1835. 

Origin: UK.

Circa: 1835

Size: 30.2 cm wide by 22.5 cm by 17.5 cm:  11.9 inches wide by  8.9 inches by  6.9 inches.

Condition: Good overall, working locks and keys, see images.

The box has a liftout tray, a separately locked side drawer fitted for jewelry.

The red velvet is replacement. The wood under the main compartment has a label. The velvet pad has been made to lift out both to preserve the label and make the box more useful as a jewelry box.

The box has the label "T. DALTON- Manufacturer 85 Quadrant, Regent Street London"  and "6 Gt ORMOND Street QUEEN SQuare.

Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840  has the following entry:

Dalton, Thomas, London, writing desk and dressing case maker (1829-39), Trading at Percival St, Clarkenwell in 1829 and 6 Gt Ormond St 1839.

There is a picture of the Quadrant  on the British Museum site:

An exceptional Brazilian Rosewood three compartment Tea Caddy  illustrated on this site bears a different label showing Dalton at: 85 Quadrant.

 

The workmanship is of high standard; for example, the box is edged with a rounded piece of wood which finishes it elegantly and also protects it.

 The liftout tray is made from fine grained mahogany and has molded rosewood edging.

The document wallet is covered with ruched velvet and framed with gold embossed leather

Detail of the mother of pearl inlay. Under magnification it is possible to see small marks indicating that the mother of pearl inlay has been cut with a fine piercing saw. This type of inlay is time consuming work.