A monogram is a group of two or more letters, overlapping or intertwining one another to form a design or symbol. They usually represented the initials of the family’s or individual’s name.
Monograms were sometimes inlaid into the tops of boxes, personalising them for their owners, and could be accompanied by a crest, emblem, coronet or even crown. These monograms were then engraved to add extra decoration and definition, creating an almost three-dimensional effect.
Crests
A crest is a personalised symbolic design that is a component of an heraldic coat of arms. Within the design, a crest sits on top of the helmet. Crests can take the form of a crown, coronet, animal (either mythical or actual), plumage of feathers, or a wealth of other emblems.
The crest can represent alone as a simplified version of its full coat of arms.
Emblems
An emblem is a personalised symbolic design representing a nation, organisation, family or individual. Whilst similar to a crest, an emblem is not limited to heraldic usage.
Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ Mechanism by Howell, James & Co. VIEW THIS BOX →An engraved brass ‘arboreal’ styled monogram from an antique jewellery box with Betjemann Patent ‘Automatic’ mechanism by Howell, James & Co.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.Antique Jewellery Box in Calamander with Secret Wall Compartments, by Asprey. VIEW THIS BOX →An engraved ‘F.G.C’ monogram beneath a marchioness’ coronet from an antique jewellery box in calamander by Asprey.Antique Jewellery Box in Flame Mahogany. VIEW THIS BOX →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. VIEW THIS BOX →Engraved coat of arms crest from 1873, belonging to the Lamplugh family of Sutton, mounted on an antique jewellery box in coromandel with Betjemann Patent ‘automatic’ mechanism.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.Antique Jewellery Box in Rosewood with Engraved Brass Inlay. VIEW THIS BOX →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. VIEW THIS BOX →An engraved ‘S.Q’ monogram beneath a marchioness’ coronet belonging to the Marchioness of Queensberry.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.Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel by Leuchars. VIEW THIS BOX →An engraved symmetrical ‘A.M.P’ monogram beneath a baroness’ coronet from an antique jewellery box in coromandel, by Leuchars.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.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.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.
