Description:
JB319: A fully fitted and intricate dressing box  by C. Henry of Manchester in figured coromandel inlaid with engraved shield to the top and escutcheon  in mother of pearl opening to a compartmentalized interior and retaining its original chased silver toped cut  lead crystal jars and bottles by Thomas Whitehouse and having two sprung drawers fitted for jewelry. There is a liftout mirror with gold embossed mirror in the lid and a blind embossed leather document wallet behind. Circa 1860.

Origin: UK London and Manchester.

Circa: 1860

Size: 30.5cm wide by 22.6 cm by 17.5 cm:  12 inches wide by  8.9 inches by  6.9 inches.

Condition: Good overall, working lock and key, some cracking to the coromandel veneer which is not structural (see pictures).

The box has two  sprung drawers which are  fitted for jewelry. The drawers are released by pressing buttons which are only accessible when the box is open.

The box is of good quality with solid rounded edges.

There is a compartmentalized interior  retaining its original chased silver toped cut  lead crystal jars and bottles by Thomas Whitehouse and having two sprung drawers fitted for jewelry one to the front the other to the side. 

There is a liftout mirror with gold embossed mirror in the lid and a blind embossed leather document wallet behind

 

 Detail: The escutcheon is made of mother of pearl It is in the form of a shield and engraved with foliate forms.

The box has a working lock and key.

 The lock plate is chassed with a depiction of stylized foliage and also has the makers name and address

" C. Henry - Maker
18 Market Street
Manchester "

The engraved hinges are stamped 

"W. T & S
IMPROVED"

 Detail: The escutcheon is made of mother of pearl It is in the form of a shield and engraved with foliate forms.

The box has a working lock and key.

The tops of the glass boxes are solid sterling  silver with hallmarks for London 1860.

The Makers/sponcers mark " TW" is that of

Thomas Whitehouse

 This mark was entered in entered Apr 1850.

He is recorded as being In business from 1848 to 1898

See: www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/London-T.html 

The other marks are Queens Head (Victoria), Lion Passent, Date letter, and Leopards head for London.

The date letter "e" is for 1860-1861.

The extract is from: English Goldsmith and  Their Marks

 Detail of the front drawer which is fitted for jewelry. The linings are in silk and velvet. The divisions are leather covered. The  central circular space is for a pocket watch. The long space is for rings.

The box has two  sprung drawers which are  fitted for jewelry. The drawers are released by pressing buttons which are only accessible when the box is over.

The drawers are released by pressing the buttons on the facings. 

Detail: underside of drawer; when the drawer is closed it is held by the brass insert. When the button on the facing is pressed it springs open. It makes a satisfying clunk as it does so.

 Behind the lift out mirror there is a document wallet. The leather is decorated with blind embossing.

Detail of the blind embossing.

 The mirror is framed with gold embossed leather.

 On the other side of the mirror there is ruched velvet.

 The box retains its original chased silver toped cut  lead crystal jars and bottles by Thomas Whitehouse.

The glass lead crystal is hand blown before being cut with facets. There is a radiating star motif cut into the bases.

 One of the sprung drawers opens from the side.

 There is an engraved plaque of mother of pearl inlaid into the center of the top.

 There is a central tray with tools, scissors, tweezers/wax-spoon, corkscrew, button hook , and manicure tool.