Large Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Countess’ Coronet, by William Leuchars

Manufactured and retailed by William Leuchars in early 1860’s, this large antique jewellery box is veneered in coromandel with Nickel silver edging, inlay and ornate recessed side handles. Nickel silver is a mix of nickel, copper and zinc and despite its name, contains no actual silver. The lid is inset with an engraved monogram bearing the initials ‘DG’ beneath a countess’ coronet.

The interior is lined with claret red velvet and matching grosgrain silk edging. As with the exterior, all the internal metalware is made from Nickel silver. A plate to the rear rim of the box is engraved with, 'W. Leuchars - Maker To The Queen - 38 Piccadilly London'.

The lower drawer can only be deployed by the operation of an ingenious hidden mechanism; a steel pin must be inserted into the left aperture of the main lock mount in order to trigger the spring-loaded drawer release mechanism. The pin is stowed in a concealed holder to the underside of the lid.

The Bramah lock comes with its original key. ... Read More