Description Tortoiseshell jewellery box of architectural form, dating to the Regency period circa 1815. The box of cabinet form is veneered in tortoiseshell and raised on a convex plinth base, rising to a square body surmounted by a pagoda style lid. The exterior is decorated with silver stringing throughout and fitted with a silvered escutcheon to the front. The box opens with twin ivory faced doors to reveal a maple interior lined in royal blue velvet. Inside are three pull out drawers fitted with turned bone button handles. The top drawer includes divisions for a pocket watch and smaller items, while the lower drawers are left open. A concealed compartment is housed within the upper section, accessed by lifting from the peak of the lid. This example is firmly attributed to Lund of London, based on the close correspondence in construction, materials and overall quality with known examples from the maker. The jewellery box is complete with a working lock and tasselled key. View the full Jewellery Box Collection. Measurements 20cm High x 18cm Wide x 14cm Deep (7.9 x 7 x 5.5 Inches) Who is Thomas Lund? established his London Business in 1804. In 1835 his son William Lund opened his own retail outlet on Fleet Street, London. In 1845 Thomas passed away and William would go on to run both businesses. His son Charles took over the business when William died in 1872 and continued to operate under the name William Lund & Son. For further information see our Makers and Retailers on Thomas Lund. What is Tortoiseshell? Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material. If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote. What is the Regency Period? Regency period is an era of British history between 1811 and 1820. The Regency era was initiated by King George III first suffered a debilitating illness in the late 1780s. He relapsed into his mental illness in 1810 and by the Regency Act in 1811 his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed prince regent to discharge royal functions. When George III died in 1820, the Prince Regent succeeded him as George IV. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
