Coromandel Antique Jewellery Box by Howell, James & Co

This coromandel antique jewellery box dates from the 1870s. It was manufactured by the highly respected English cabinetmakers and retailers, Howell, James & Co, who established their reputation for excellence at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and International Exhibition of 1862.

The box is veneered in coromandel wood with attractive brass edging, an engraved ‘CGL’ brass monogram applied onto the lid, and a Bramah lock to the front of the box.

The interior of the box is lined and partitioned with dark purple velvet which contrasts beautifully with the immaculate gilding on the brasswork. A push button to the rear of the box releases the spring-loaded front drawer, which contains a velvet-lined jewellery area and a full-width ring/cufflink channel. A small gilt brass plate on the rim of the drawer reads, ‘Howell, James & Co, Regent Street, London’. A further push button on the left side of the box releases a side drawer with a leather-lined interior.

A ruched velvet panel with a leather-framed mirror on its reverse is fitted to the inside of the lid. This spring-loaded panel pops forward to reveal a leather-bound letter wallet behind.

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

Ref: DL039