French Antique Jewellery Box in Palisander Wood

Dating from around 1810, this French antique jewellery box in Palisander wood is edged and mounted in brass. It is further decorated with a brass strapwork design surrounding a diamond-shaped central plate to the lid, and a charming ‘moustache’-shaped front escutcheon.

The interior of the box is lined with purple velvet and moiré silk.

The double-action lock has been fitted with a cloverleaf (trèfle)-shaped drill pin. Its significance is reinforced by its use on the magnificent 1787 and 1791 ‘Nécessaire de Voyage’ boxes commissioned by Marie Antoinette. The cloverleaf form has sometimes been interpreted as a reference to the Christian Holy Trinity, although its precise significance remains uncertain. This unusual shape makes the lock extremely hard to open without its characteristic key, and further serves to add complication for any lock picker or locksmith with the unenviable task of key duplication.

Ref: DL195