Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel by Halstaff & Co

This antique jewellery box in coromandel was manufactured in 1898 by the highly respected English cabinetmakers and retailers, Halstaff & Co.



The interior of the box is lined and compartmented with blue moiré silk and velvet. The inside walls of the lid are veneered in Coromandel and 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 Co, Manufacturers, 228 Regent St'.



The interior rims of the box are inlaid with brass corner mounts. A push button to the rear of the box releases a spring-loaded and independently lockable front drawer that contains a full width jewellery compartment and a ring/ cuff-link channel.



Both locks are fully working and come with their keys.

Provenance:

This box was the property of Lady Sarah Elizabeth Nicholson, formerly Sarah Elizabeth Keightley; it was likely given to her by her husband Sir Charles Nicholson, 1st Baronet of Luddenham. Sir Charles Nicholson was an English politician and became President of the Queensland Legislative Council, Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council and Member of the Queensland Legislative Council. He was knighted in 1852 by Queen Victoria, and made a Baronet in 1859. Lady Sarah Elizabeth Nicholson became a notable artist, with some of her work being owned and exhibited by the Royal Collection Trust. The box bears Lady Sarah’s monogram and some original poetry from Ella Priestley hidden within the letter wallet. ... Read More