Antique Coromandel Jewellery Box with Concealed Drawers, by William Leuchars

This large antique jewellery box, veneered in Coromandel with ornate brass recessed side handles, dates from the early 1860s. It was manufactured and retailed by William Leuchars. The central 'C.A' monogram accompanied by a Baroness's coronet, belong to the box's original owner.

The interior of the box is lined with purple velvet. A push button on the foremost rim allows the front flap of the box to open; this reveals what, at first glance, seems to be a Coromandel interior wall. However, fitted within this wall are four concealed secret drawers...

The maker's plate on the rear rim of the box is engraved with 'Leuchars - 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London', and incorporates two brass push buttons. These buttons release two central spring-loaded drawers from the front of the box. Concealed floor mechanisms in the main compartment above, release two further spring-loaded drawers to the left and right of the central drawers. Each drawer has been inlaid with a brass letter to refer to its placement - 'T' for top, 'B' for bottom, 'L' for left, and 'R' for right.

A leather framed mirror in the lid can be removed to reveal a concealed leather-bound letter wallet behind.

The Bramah lock is fully working and comes with its original key. ... Read More