Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander, 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 Calamander wood, edged and inlaid with brass, and finished with ornate recessed brass side handles.

The interior of the box is lined and ruched with red/ burgundy velvet. The top leather-bound and velvet-lined jewellery tray is divided into six compartments, whilst a shallow leather-bound lower tray is decorated with gold tooling. Beneath these trays is an open leather-bound compartment; a spring-loaded wall panel to the rear of this compartment deploys to reveal two concealed velvet-lined drawers.

The inside walls of the lid are veneered in Coromandel and inlaid with double brass stringing. A matching Coromandel framed panel fitted to the underside of the lid is inset with ruched velvet; a secret push button in the roof of the lid springs the panel forward to reveal a mirror on the reverse. A secret leather-bound letter wallet set behind bears the maker's label that reads, 'Halstaff, Manufacturer of Writing and Dressing Cases, Ladies Work Boxes, 228 Regent Street - Late of Margaret St'.



The Bramah lock comes with its original key. ... Read More