Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood by William Halstaff

This antique jewellery box was manufactured in the early 1840's by the highly regarded English maker and retailer, William Halstaff. The box is veneered in Rosewood, edged in brass and finished with star shaped brass escutcheons and a Bramah lock. 



The interior of the box is lined and ruched with red/ burgundy velvet. The top leather-bound, velvet-lined jewellery tray is divided into six compartments along with a brooch cushion. There is a further shallow leather-bound tray with a decorative gold tooled facing. Beneath these trays is a leather-bound compartment, and to the rear of the box is a full-width velvet-lined compartment.

The inside walls of the lid as well as the frame to the velvet ruched panel are decoratively gold tooled. A secret push button in the roof of the lid springs the ruched panel forward to reveal a leather-bound letter wallet behind. Set inside the letter wallet is the original maker's label, which reads, 'Halstaff, Manufacturer of Writing and Dressing Cases, Ladies Work Boxes, 228 Regent Street - Late of Margaret St'.



A removable brass rod to the front of the box allows the independently lockable bottom drawer to be opened. The leather-bound drawer is partitioned into four velvet-lined compartments and a central ring/ cuff-link channel.



Both locks are fully working and come with working keys. ... Read More