Mahogany Antique Box with Brass Edging

This fine antique box, made from Cuban Mahogany, edged with right-angle brass and finished with recessed brass handles and twin Bramah locks, originally dates from the late 1840's. Although unsigned by any maker, looking at the build, design and detailing, it is very probable that this piece was made by the great English makers, Edwards.

The top brass plate bears the name 'Lady Shelley' belonging to its original owner, Lady Jane Shelley (1820-1899) of Boscombe House (later became Boscombe Manor), Ringwood, Hants, England. Lady Jane Shelley was the daughter-in-law of the great authoress, Mary Shelley (best known for her novel, Frankenstein) and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. After Mary Shelley died in 1851, Lady Jane, being so passionate about the literary arts as well as writing about them, created a 'Sanctum' of all the Shelley family manuscripts and relics. She even built a private theatre on the Boscombe estate in 1860, and was regularly visited by other great playwrights and writers like Robert Louis Stevenson.

The inside of the box is lined and ruched with burgundy velvet, and partitioned into four compartments (three front compartments and one full width/ full height rear compartment). The box is reinforced with stamped 'E. Wells & Co. Patent' concealed brass hinges, and the interior rims are inlaid with brass corner mounts.

The lower, independently locking drawer comprises a large velvet-lined compartment and a full width ring/ cuff link channel.

Unusually, both Bramah locks have been stamped with 'W. Muckleston Patent'.

The denseness and vibrance of Cuban Mahogany is unmatched by any other variety of Mahogany, and was favoured by ship builders for its extreme strength and resilience at sea.

Both Bramah locks are fully working and come with their original Bramah key. ... Read More