Description:
JB512: A figured rosewood box of oblong form having inlays of white metal and mother of pearl inlay depicting two birds drinking from a cup. The box also has  a Bramah lock, a side drawer fitted for jewelry  and a liftout tray. Circa 1830. 

Size:  32 cm wide by 24.2 cm by 17.5 cm:  12.6 inches wide by  9.5 inches by  6.5 inches.

Condition: Good overall working lock and key; see images.

Much of the inside is lined with the original  embossed red leather which is a bit scuffed here and there. 

The sprung side drawer is held in place by a brass pin.

The leather lining is original, but the velvet coverings have been added so as to protect and make the interior easier to use. These are removable.

There is a document wallet in the lid.

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The leather lining is original, but the velvet coverings have been added so as to protect and make the interior easier to use. These are removable.

The lock is made by  Bramah  

Cutting mother of pearl and inlaying it like this is very time consuming. The design is made of several elements. These are not always cut apart. Very fine lines are cut as between the cup and its ornamental rim. The base of the cup has a cut line. The cut lines to display the feathers in the wings of the birds are exquisite. The grain of the rosewood is continuous. The mop design was laid on top and the rosewood excavated to inlay it. I don't think this accuracy could be  achieved by cutting together. A technique of cutting out mother of pearl with acid  was patented around this time. Perhaps a little later. The cuts which don't go through are fascinating.