Description:
An exceptional and rare fully fitted brass inlaid workbox, which shares elements with the work by Edwards. The form is typical of the early Regency: perfectly proportioned drawing its inspiration from ancient architectural structures. It has turned gadrooning handles and feet.

It is almost certain that this box was made by Dalton of Soho Bazaar.  See: http://hygra.com/uk/sb/SB525 

Origin: UK

Circa: 1815

Materials: wood brass 

Size: 30cm wide by 23cm, 13.5cm high including feet: 11.8inches 9.1 inches 5.3 inches high including feet.

Condition:  Good original. It is a real treat to find such an early box intact with its tools which has had a long life of being cared for. Working lock and key.

This box was almost certainly made by the same maker as:

 

 

The interior retains the original yellow silk, paper and finely gold tooled leather. 

The spools are turned and milled ivory and bone. This form of spool with  ends screwed to a former is early 19th century and rare. It was mostly discontinued after the first quarter of the century with the advent of more commercially prepared thread.

See: http://www.hygra.com/sb/sbvmop.htm 

and Figure 422 

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors..

The tapering shape of the brass inlay panels adds to the strong architectural impression.

The brass inlay which depicts scrolling foliage is in separate elements.  

 Detail one of the turned drop handles.

 

The interior retains the original yellow silk, paper and finely gold tooled leather. 

The spools are turned and milled ivory and bone. This form of spool with  ends screwed to a former is early 19th century and rare. It was mostly discontinued after the first quarter of the century with the advent of more commercially prepared thread.

 

 The interior retains the original yellow silk, paper and finely gold tooled leather. The lyre is a reference to the music of Rome.