Description:

JB510: Antique highly figured coromandel box by J J Mechi with rounded edges, opening to a compartmentalized interior with lift out tray and a sprung drawer fitted for jewelry. there is a document wallet to the lid . The box features a working Bramah lock. Circa 1840. 

Size: 30.3 cm wide by 22.7 cm by  17.2cm:  11.9 inches wide by 8.9 inches by 6.8 inches.

Condition: Good original condition. See images.

The sprung drawer fitted for jewelry is released by removing the brass pin.

There is a document wallet in the lid. 

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

 

There is a document wallet covered with ruched velvet framed with gold embossed leather in the lid.

The working lock is Brahma.  The lock-plate is stamped with a crown and Bramah.

The  patented Brahma lock. 

To engage the key is pushed into the lock. The sprung  levers of the lock are brought to the right positions by grooves cut in the barrel of the key rather than the flag.  

see: http://hygra.com/locks/Bramah/ 

 

The drawer is fitted for jewelry. 

The Box is labeled:

"Made by Mechi,
4 Leadenhall St.
London."

J.J. Mechi was at 130 Leadenhall St according to Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840 (source Directories)

We have handled several boxes by Mechi and have recorded these in Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 076431688

for more about this label and Mechi see http://hygra.com/uk/jb2/JB434/ 

The brass plate in the top has been engraved  "Mrs Davidson""