Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood with Engraved Brass Inlay
Ref DL217
SOLD
Dating from around 1810, this antique jewellery box in Rosewood is inlaid with a delicate brass design consisting of scrollwork, foliation, bees and bee skeps (beehives). The symbology of bees and bee skeps is very definitely linked to Freemasonry, signifying industry, diligent working, and the act of working together for the greater good.
The box is finished with right-angle brass edging and ornate recessed brass side handles.
The interior, lined with burgundy velvet and moiré silk, is fitted with a removable compartmented leather-bound tray. There is a further velvet-lined compartment beneath this tray and to the rear of the box.
The box is fitted with a very rare Tompson Patent lock; the lock plate surface is stamped with ’Tompson Bir.M [Birmingham]’ and ‘GR Patent’ beneath the monarch’s crown.
Comments:
I am sure you can imagine my excitement upon acquiring this box - absolutely beautiful in every respect. It has been purposely positioned on my desk to happily interrupt my line of sight. I am particularly fascinated with its Freemasonic symbology, and have never seen a piece remotely similar. Furthermore, it is the only time I have ever seen a Tompson Patent lock fitted to a box of this kind. I have written a detailed article about this exact lock in my Guide to Antique Boxes: www.antiquebox.org/tompson-patent-lock ... Read More
The box is finished with right-angle brass edging and ornate recessed brass side handles.
The interior, lined with burgundy velvet and moiré silk, is fitted with a removable compartmented leather-bound tray. There is a further velvet-lined compartment beneath this tray and to the rear of the box.
The box is fitted with a very rare Tompson Patent lock; the lock plate surface is stamped with ’Tompson Bir.M [Birmingham]’ and ‘GR Patent’ beneath the monarch’s crown.
Comments:
I am sure you can imagine my excitement upon acquiring this box - absolutely beautiful in every respect. It has been purposely positioned on my desk to happily interrupt my line of sight. I am particularly fascinated with its Freemasonic symbology, and have never seen a piece remotely similar. Furthermore, it is the only time I have ever seen a Tompson Patent lock fitted to a box of this kind. I have written a detailed article about this exact lock in my Guide to Antique Boxes: www.antiquebox.org/tompson-patent-lock ... Read More
- Width: 32.8 cm / 13 inches
- Depth: 26 cm / 10.25 inches
- Height: 15 cm / 6 inches
