Ladies Work Box, Sewing & Writing Compendia, Extraordinary
Date/Period: George III

Measurement: Height: 8.25"; width: 14"; depth: 11.5"

Material: Exotic rosewood, birds eye maple, pine, walnut, and inlays

Condition: Excellent, top lock is functional, drawer lock needs tweaking

Additional Information: An extraordinary example made for a well-to-do lady; sewing,
writing letters and personal beautification facilitated. The lid features a large conch shell
set within oval string inlaid border…within large octagonal birds’ eye panel displaying
chevron inlaid border. The entire case is veneered in the most beautiful rosewood; all
borders inlaid. The fancy rococo style repoussé brass handle backplates feature trilobe
shell segments each with dart…above undulating acanthus leaf and scrolling; carrying
ring is gadrooned. Within the lid is a looking glass set within an inlaid border having a
molded walnut liner. Fitted interior: at back center is a lift-out slide lid box, to the left a
fitted box having three compartments; one containing three matching perfume bottles
with faceted sides and retaining glass stoppers; all appear to be original; also contains a
small slide lid box . This tray with mitered corners and inlaid top edges is above another
box of conforming size. At right are two deep compartments for larger bottles. The front
accommodates a large, fitted tray with a brushed cotton pincushion; this removeable
tray is above a deep storage well. We note that the long tray dividers [left to right] are
not molded as are those running front to back. They are covered in a pink silk and
therefore may be old replacements or the silk is retro. All interior sections lined with pink
paper. The drawer contains a writing slope retaining original green baize; adjusts on
rachet. Under the ebonized pen tray is a storage area for nibs, pens, and pencils. Also,
compartments for pounce and ink bottles. The bottom of case is covered with green felt.
A large, beautiful, and outstanding example.

659-223