Description: Japanned Toleware box decorated with gold and fitted for Jewelry with two velvet covered fitted lift out trays having a "four lever lock" retaining its original key.

Origin: United Kingdom.

Circa: Circa 1895.

Materials: painted sheet steel the inside lined with velvet

Size: 32cm wide by 22cm by 11.5cm:  inches wide by  inches by  inches.

Condition: good original condition (no restoration) retaining its velvet lined trays fitted for jewelry.

This type of box was designed for taking on cruses and cross Atlantic crossings and would sometimes be sold through catalogues such as that of the Army and Navy Store. It would have been the ideal box to hand to the purser for safe keeping in the safe. It's lock is far more secure than on most jewelry boxes. I have also seen tole boxes fitted for writing tools.   

The compartmentalized trays are fitted for jewelry.  There is a beveled mirror in the lid

Detail of one of the corners showing that some of the painted decoration is chipped and worn consistent with age. 

There is a beveled mirror in the lid framed by ruched velvet.

 Some of the compartments are fitted for cufflinks or earrings.

 The lock is marked "secure 4 lever" and  "Registered" the mark is a face in a sun".

The key.

There is a continuous integral metal hinge at the back. 

The box also has a strong cut steel handle.