Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Two Drawers and a Secret Floor, by Leuchars

This antique jewellery box, veneered in Coromandel with brass edging, engraved top plate and recessed side handles, dates from the late 1860’s. It was manufactured and retailed by William Leuchars of Piccadilly, London.

The interior of the box is lined and ruched with burgundy velvet. The main area has four partitioned front compartments, a central ring/ cuff link channel, and a deep full width rear compartment. The front of the box drops forward to reveal a bottom drawer with a matching recessed brass handle. Directly above this drawer is a concealed shallow spring-loaded drawer that opens by pushing it inwards to release the upper pin-catch. This drawer is returned to its concealed position by pushing it back in place and pressing down on the top pin-catch. Both drawers are velvet-lined and have been constructed with solid Satinwood walls.

With the bottom drawer removed, a concealed spring-loaded floor is accessible. The floor is removed by pushing it backwards slightly, thus unlatching it and allowing it to pop up. Beneath this floor is a shallow velvet-lined compartment.

A brass maker's plate at the rear of the main compartment reads 'W. Leuchars. 38, Piccadilly, London'. Unusually, this box has been fitted with a reverse mounted Bramah patent lock that is engraved with ‘ W. Leuchars - London’. The lock is fully working and comes with its original key. ... Read More