Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut by Halstaff & Hannaford

This antique jewellery box was manufactured in the 1870's by the highly regarded English cabinetmakers and retailers, Halstaff & Hannaford. The box is veneered in figured Burr Walnut, edged with fine brass binding to the entire perimeter, and has a central Bramah lock and independently locking lower drawer.

The interior of the box is lined and ruched with dark purple velvet. The removable leather-bound jewellery tray with velvet lining is divided into six compartments along with a brooch cushion. There is a large velvet-lined compartment underneath this tray, and a further full-width compartment to the rear of the box.

The inside walls of the lid are veneered in Coromandel and delicately inlaid with double brass stringing. There is a matching Coromandel framed mirror fitted inside the lid, which has a ruched velvet panel to the reverse. A secret push button in the roof of the lid springs the mirror forward to reveal a leather-bound letter wallet behind. Set inside the letter wallet is the original maker's label, which reads, 'Halstaff and Hannaford, Manufacturers, 228 Regent Street'.

The interior rims of the box are inlaid with brass corner mounts. A brass push button on the back rim releases the bottom drawer with a leather-bound writing surface. Underneath this writing surface are four velvet-lined compartments and a central ring/ cuff-link channel.

Both locks are fully working and come with their original keys
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