Antique Dressing Case in Coromandel by Jenner & Knewstub and James Vickery
Ref DL003
SOLD
This antique dressing case, veneered in Coromandel with smart brass edging, inlay and ornate brass recessed side handles, dates from the early 1860s. It was manufactured by Jenner & Knewstub, respected makers to Queen Victoria. The box bears its original owner's monogram 'I.N.' - engraved into an inlaid brass shield on the lid.
The contents of this dressing case are exquisite: thirteen beautifully hobnail cut glass jars and bottles with silver-gilt lids. The bottles and jars were designed to store all manner of ladies necessities such as perfumes, salts, powders, and sponges.
The lids of the bottles and jars are engraved with intricate patterns and flourishes that encircle the 'I.N.' monogram. The silver is all hallmarked London 1862 and attributed to the highly respected silversmith, James Vickery.
Fitted into the lid is a gilt framed mirror with matching engraving, also bearing the same monogram. This removable mirror, with its velvet-backed stand, can be used as a dressing table mirror.
A push button on the front rim releases and drops forward the front flap of the box. This reveals a bottom velvet-lined drawer with a brass recessed handle. This, at first glance is the box's only drawer, but Jenner & Knewstub, skilled craftsmen as they were, incorporated another three ingeniously concealed secret drawers...
At the back of the main compartment is a gilded maker's plate, engraved with 'Jenner & Knewstub - To the Queen - 33 St James's Street and 66 Jermyn Street'. The right-hand screw appears to secure the maker's plate, but it is in fact a dummy screw, a push button which pops open a hidden jewellery drawer directly above the bottom drawer. This partitioned velvet-lined drawer would have been used to hide its owner's most valuable jewellery.
There are two concealed buttons in the floor beneath the rear perfume bottles. Pressing these buttons releases two small secret drawers to the left and right sides of the bottom drawer.
The lock is fully working and comes with its original key. ... Read More
The contents of this dressing case are exquisite: thirteen beautifully hobnail cut glass jars and bottles with silver-gilt lids. The bottles and jars were designed to store all manner of ladies necessities such as perfumes, salts, powders, and sponges.
The lids of the bottles and jars are engraved with intricate patterns and flourishes that encircle the 'I.N.' monogram. The silver is all hallmarked London 1862 and attributed to the highly respected silversmith, James Vickery.
Fitted into the lid is a gilt framed mirror with matching engraving, also bearing the same monogram. This removable mirror, with its velvet-backed stand, can be used as a dressing table mirror.
A push button on the front rim releases and drops forward the front flap of the box. This reveals a bottom velvet-lined drawer with a brass recessed handle. This, at first glance is the box's only drawer, but Jenner & Knewstub, skilled craftsmen as they were, incorporated another three ingeniously concealed secret drawers...
At the back of the main compartment is a gilded maker's plate, engraved with 'Jenner & Knewstub - To the Queen - 33 St James's Street and 66 Jermyn Street'. The right-hand screw appears to secure the maker's plate, but it is in fact a dummy screw, a push button which pops open a hidden jewellery drawer directly above the bottom drawer. This partitioned velvet-lined drawer would have been used to hide its owner's most valuable jewellery.
There are two concealed buttons in the floor beneath the rear perfume bottles. Pressing these buttons releases two small secret drawers to the left and right sides of the bottom drawer.
The lock is fully working and comes with its original key. ... Read More
- Width: 39.2 cm / 15.5 inches
- Depth: 20.6 cm / 8.2 inches
- Height: 19.7 cm / 7.5 inches
