Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, by William Leuchars

This antique jewellery box, dating from the mid 1860’s, was manufactured and retailed by William Leuchars. It is veneered in coromandel with brass edging, decorative brass strung inlay, large recessed brass side handles, and two Leuchars Patent locks.

The ‘Leuchars Patent’ stamp on the main lock refers to its design whereby the front aperture can be twisted clockwise using the key, thus disengaging the locking mechanism and allowing the box to be opened; by simply closing the box, the locking mechanism will automatically re-engage. A full anti-clockwise turn of the key will lock the front aperture's twist mechanism in place; in this state the box is completely deadlocked.

The interior is lined with a dark magenta velvet edged with a matching grosgrain silk. Each internal wall and floor of the main section and lid section are lightly padded. A brass plate to the rear rim of the box is engraved with, 'W. Leuchars, 38, Piccadilly, London'.

The independently lockable lower drawer contains a compartmented interior with a full width ring/ cufflink channel.

Both locks are stamped with, 'W. Leuchars - 38 Piccadilly - London' and come with their original key. ... Read More