Description:
SB120: A fully fitted sewing box veneered in thick striated coromandel and inlaid in brass and shell, both mother of pearl and abalone. Inside there is the original fitted liftout tray lined with silk and velvet, with a set (6) of carved and turned mother of pearl daisy pattern spools designed for the new thread which now came on wooden reels. The tray also has supplementary lids with carved mother of pearl pulls. The box also has period sewing tools including penknife button hook, and tweezers, and bodkin with mother of pearl handles. The steel scissors is designed for cutting button holes. There is a document wallet in the lid. Circa 1870.

Origin: UK.

Circa: 1870

Size: 30.2 cm wide by 22.1 cm by 12.7 cm:  11.9  inches wide by  8.7 inches by  5  inches.

Condition: Very good original condition, working lock and key. See images. There is  some wear to the original cloth linings. Some old patching to veneer with matching material at corners. 

Veneered in thick striated coromandel  and inlaid in brass and shell, this box is a good example of the way brass was used in the mid Victorian period. The pieces are cut in swirling delicate shapes and engraved to give further definition to the design. The metal is used not to convey strength or to suggest ancient ornament, but as a material to form pretty and aesthetically accessible ornaments. This type of work was influenced by French usage of brass and shell.

Detail of the inlay which uses the contrasting sheens and reflections of mother of pearl, abalone shell and brass to depict a stylized foliate form.  There is a slight patch to the coromandel at the corner in matching material.

 the box has  a set of  carved and turned mother of pearl daisy pattern spools designed for the new thread which now came on wooden reels.  The spools are designed to come apart so that the real of thread could be put on. Earlier spools were wound with the thread. Although the spools are of a similar design and pattern one is of a slightly earlier form having a bone roller rather tan brass.   

 The box also has period  sewing tools including penknife button hook, and tweezers, and bodkin with mother of pearl handles. 

The steel scissors is designed for cutting button holes. Circa  1870.

 There is a document wallet in the lid.

 Detail of the escutcheon.

Detail of the inlay which uses the contrasting sheens and reflections of mother of pearl, abalone shell and brass to depict a stylized foliate form.  There is a slight patch to the coromandel at the corner in matching material.

 The tray also has supplementary lids with carved mother of pearl pulls. The velvet covered pin cushion has some wear.

 The box itself is lined with its original silvered paper.

Detail of the inlay in the center of the lid, which uses the contrasting sheens and reflections of mother of pearl, abalone shell and brass to depict a stylized foliate form.