Description:
SB454: Mahogany and brass bound sewing box circa 1820
This is a most unusual early sewing box, both strong and robust. The high quality of the structure suggests that it was made to withstand travel as well as sit in elegant drawing rooms. The mahogany is edged in squared brass all around and bears flat-folding side handles. The original interior is lined in red textured leather. The tray is in keeping with the exterior and is structured for strength. The ‘envelope’ is most unusual and opens with a silver catch. Some bending on bottom brass suggesting that the box did travel! Working Bramah lock and key.

Origin: UK

Circa:  1820

Size: 32.8 cm wide by 21.4 cm by 14.5 cm:  12.9 inches wide by  8.4  inches by  5.7 inches.

Condition: Some bending on bottom brass suggesting that the box did travel! Working Bramah lock and key: see pictures.

The original interior is lined in red textured leather. The tray is in keeping with the exterior and is structured for strength. The ‘envelope’ is most unusual and opens with a silver catch. 

The box is edged all around with brass which is both decorative and protective. The angled brass pieces are held in place with pins of the same metal which are then ground flat.

 The lock is a Bramah lock and I think of Bramah manufacture. It is stamped "W. MUCKLESTON PATENT". I have seen this on other Bramah locks of the period, but have been unable to find any information on Muckleston other than he stamped locks.

The Bramah lock gave a new level of security to boxes. The presence of a Bramah lock which were complicated to manufacture is almost a sure sign that the box with it was intended for the quality end of the market.  

 The box has countersunk brass handles held in place with iron screws. These are ground flat with the brass. By about 1830 brass screws were used. 

The flame figure of the mahogany is beautiful.

The ‘envelope’ is most unusual and opens with a silver catch.

 In the envelope there is a little notebook with the name "Fanny Hull" evocatively written on the cover and inside with the date "August 6th 1865". Presumably Fanny was a 19th Century user of the box. 

a quick google search gave me:

"Fanny Hull   
 Born: 21 OCT 1832   -  
 Died:               -   
Father: Thomas Hull
Mother: Silence Hedges"

There is no way of knowing if they are the same Fanny.

on one page there is an inventory of presumably Fanny Hulls clothes .  

"5 Chemises
5 pr drawers
4 nightdresses
4 night caps
3 flannel petticoats
4 Flannel jackets
4 Pr. coloured Stockings
2 Pr White do-
11 Handkerchiefs
2 Dressing capes
2 combbags
4 collars
2 luchers
2 Pr Gloves
1 necktie
3 Hats
3 Coats  (I can't read this entry)

 

This seems to be a rubbing taken from some lace