Description:
SB402: A Victorian figured  rosewood box  by Mechi of London, with rounded edges inlaid with white metal and having a mother of pearl escutcheon retaining its original liftout compartmentalized tray with supplementary lids and having a document wallet to the lid. circa 1840

Origin: UK by J.J. Mechi of 4 Leadenhall St. London.

Circa: 1840

Size: 30.5 cm wide by 22.5 cm by 12 cm:   12 inches wide by   8.9 inches by  4.7 inches.

Condition: good overall, working lock and key

Inside the box has a liftout tray fitted for sewing with supplementary lids. There is a document wallet in the lid.

This label is simpler to many Mechi labels.

Many have the words:

"No 4 Leadenhall St.
London
J.J. MECHI, to prevent
fraudulent imitations
Signs all his articles thus,
without which
None Are Genuine." 

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

"Item 1. Small gentleman's dressing box veneered in coromandel. Very fine quality. Interior beautifully lined in blue velvet and leather. Silver tops dated 1851, engraved with flowers and central visor with feathers. Central plaque on top of the box, with engraved visor encircled by a belt, containing the motto Nihil Sine Deo.

"Item 2. Lady's dressing box veneered in rosewood, with stylized floral inlay in mother of pearl. This is unusual, as most dressing boxes feature brass decoration. Sunk in side handles in brass. The interior lined in green leather and bright green silk. The internal mirror is edged in rosewood and can be removed from the lid and stand independently. Silver tops dating from the 1840s. Side jewelry drawer with separate lock. Very good subtle quality.

"Item 3. Sewing box veneered in rosewood. Mother of pearl escutcheon and fine pewter inlay. Tray inside lined with paper with a leafy gold pattern. Tops covered in soft blue taffeta silk. The inside of the lid is lined with an "envelope" covered in blue taffeta and opening with a silver catch. Very fine work. Regency period."

There is a writing box by Mechi illustrated on this website:

There is a very important sewing box, now in a private collection at: 

http://hygra.com/uk/sb/SB119/