Antique Jewellery Box in Flame Mahogany
Ref DL204
SOLD
Dating from 1810, this large antique jewellery box in Flame Mahogany is inlaid with right-angle brass edging, double brass stringing, recessed brass side handles, and a central brass plate.
The compartmented interior is lined with emerald green velvet and matching grosgrain silk. The interior rims of the box are veneered in Kingwood and inlaid with brass corner mounts. The rear left and right compartments are fitted with false floors; these open to reveal concealed cylindrical brass chambers that lead down to the base of the box.
The independently lockable lower drawer has been designed into a ’T’ shape to allow clearance for the cylindrical brass chambers. With the lower drawer removed, the exterior of these brass chambers can be seen to the rear of the drawer aperture.
The central brass plate has been engraved with the coat of arms, bearing the motto ‘Dat Deus Incrementum’ (God gives the increase), belonging to Sir Richard Ottley (1782-1845). Ottley was born on the West Indian island of St Vincent and, in 1814, became the Chief Justice of Grenada. He was knighted by King George IV on the 22nd March 1820. In May of that same year he sailed to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to take the position of judge. On the 1st November 1827, Ottley became the Chief Justice of Ceylon, a position he held until 1833. On his retirement, he moved to 50 York Street, Portman Square in London.
Both Bramah locks come with their original keys.
Comments:
My point of fascination and intrigue regarding this box lies in the implementation of these cylindrical brass chambers. Having not seen this feature before, I can only speculate that their purpose was to afford more robustness and security to the holding of their contents. ... Read More
The compartmented interior is lined with emerald green velvet and matching grosgrain silk. The interior rims of the box are veneered in Kingwood and inlaid with brass corner mounts. The rear left and right compartments are fitted with false floors; these open to reveal concealed cylindrical brass chambers that lead down to the base of the box.
The independently lockable lower drawer has been designed into a ’T’ shape to allow clearance for the cylindrical brass chambers. With the lower drawer removed, the exterior of these brass chambers can be seen to the rear of the drawer aperture.
The central brass plate has been engraved with the coat of arms, bearing the motto ‘Dat Deus Incrementum’ (God gives the increase), belonging to Sir Richard Ottley (1782-1845). Ottley was born on the West Indian island of St Vincent and, in 1814, became the Chief Justice of Grenada. He was knighted by King George IV on the 22nd March 1820. In May of that same year he sailed to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to take the position of judge. On the 1st November 1827, Ottley became the Chief Justice of Ceylon, a position he held until 1833. On his retirement, he moved to 50 York Street, Portman Square in London.
Both Bramah locks come with their original keys.
Comments:
My point of fascination and intrigue regarding this box lies in the implementation of these cylindrical brass chambers. Having not seen this feature before, I can only speculate that their purpose was to afford more robustness and security to the holding of their contents. ... Read More
- Width: 38 cm / 15 inches
- Depth: 26.7 cm / 10.5 inches
- Height: 16.4 cm / 6.5 inches
