CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Monograms, Crests and Emblems

Monogram

A monogram is a design formed from two or more letters, usually the initials of an individual or family. On antique boxes, monograms were often engraved or inlaid into the lid and could be accompanied by a crest, coronet, crown or other emblem. 

Crest

A crest is one element of a full heraldic achievement and traditionally appears above the helmet. It may take the form of an animal, bird, crown, coronet, feathers or another symbolic device. A crest can also be used independently of the complete coat of arms.

Emblem

An emblem is a broader symbolic device representing an individual, family, organisation or nation. Unlike a crest, it does not need to form part of a heraldic coat of arms.

Rear view with the lid raised, showing the monogram on the coromandel lid exterior.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism by Howell, James & Co. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved brass arboreal-style monogram from an antique jewellery box with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ mechanism by Howell, James & Co.
An engraved brass arboreal-style monogram from an antique jewellery box with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ mechanism by Howell, James & Co.
Rear view with the lid raised, showing the engraved brass inlay and monogram on the coromandel lid exterior.
Magnificent Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Engraved Brass Inlay and Concealed Drawer. VIEW THIS BOX →
Engraved foliate wreath emblem encircling the initials ‘M.B’, from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with engraved brass inlay.
Engraved foliate wreath emblem encircling the initials ‘M.B’, from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with engraved brass inlay.
Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander with Secret Wall Compartments, by Asprey.
Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander with Secret Wall Compartments, by Asprey. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved ‘F.G.C’ monogram beneath a marchioness’s coronet from an antique jewellery box in calamander by Asprey.
An engraved ‘F.G.C’ monogram beneath a marchioness’s coronet from an antique jewellery box in calamander by Asprey.
Antique Jewellery Box in Flame Mahogany.
Antique Jewellery Box in Flame Mahogany. VIEW THIS BOX →
Engraved coat of arms from an antique jewellery box in flame mahogany.
Engraved coat of arms from an antique jewellery box in flame mahogany.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, Retailed by Henry William Bedford.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism, Retailed by Henry William Bedford. VIEW THIS BOX →
Engraved coat of arms from 1873, belonging to the Lamplugh family of Sutton, mounted on an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘automatic’ mechanism.
Engraved coat of arms from 1873, belonging to the Lamplugh family of Sutton, mounted on an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘automatic’ mechanism.
Rear left view with the lid raised, showing the crowned monogram on the lid exterior.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism, by George Betjemann & Sons. VIEW THIS BOX →
A brass inlaid monogram forming the name ‘Florence’, from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent mechanism.
A brass inlaid monogram forming the name ‘Florence’, from an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent mechanism.
Overhead exterior view of the rosewood jewellery box showing the engraved brass Freemasonic emblem.
Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood with Engraved Brass Inlay. VIEW THIS BOX →
Brass inlaid Freemasonic emblem taken from an antique jewellery box in rosewood.
Brass inlaid Freemasonic emblem taken from an antique jewellery box in rosewood.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, Retailed by C.F Hancock - A Wedding Present from the Marquess of Queensberry to the Marchioness of Queensberry.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel, Retailed by C.F Hancock – A Wedding Present from the Marquess of Queensberry to the Marchioness of Queensberry. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved ‘S.Q’ monogram beneath a marchioness’s coronet belonging to the Marchioness of Queensberry.
An engraved ‘S.Q’ monogram beneath a marchioness’s coronet belonging to the Marchioness of Queensberry.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent Mechanism. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved brass ‘C.F.T’ monogram mounted on an antique jewellery box in coromandel by George Betjemann & Sons.
An engraved brass ‘C.F.T’ monogram mounted on an antique jewellery box in coromandel by George Betjemann & Sons.
Rear view with the lid raised, showing the gilt monogram on the lid exterior.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel by Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved symmetrical ‘A.M.P’ monogram beneath a baroness’s coronet from an antique jewellery box in coromandel, by Leuchars.
An engraved symmetrical ‘A.M.P’ monogram beneath a baroness’s coronet from an antique jewellery box in coromandel, by Leuchars.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Cantilever Mechanism by C.F Hancock.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Cantilever Mechanism by C.F Hancock. VIEW THIS BOX →
A brass inlaid monogram from an antique jewellery box by Charles F. Hancock.
A brass inlaid monogram from an antique jewellery box by Charles F. Hancock.
Large Antique Jewellery Case in Coromandel with Silver-Mounted Monograms, by William Leuchars.
Large Antique Jewellery Case in Coromandel with Silver-Mounted Monograms, by William Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →
An engraved solid silver monogram of entwined ‘E’s’ mounted on an antique jewellery case in coromandel by William Leuchars.
An engraved solid silver monogram of entwined ‘E’s’ mounted on an antique jewellery case in coromandel by William Leuchars.
Antique Officer’s Box in Cuban Mahogany, by David Edwards.
Antique Officer’s Box in Cuban Mahogany, by David Edwards.
Engraved crest badge from an antique officer’s box in Cuban mahogany, by David Edwards.
Engraved crest badge from an antique officer’s box in Cuban mahogany, by David Edwards.
Mounted solid-gold monogram from an antique silver-gilt dressing case fitting.
Mounted solid gold monogram from an antique silver-gilt dressing case fitting.

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