Anglo Indian Coromandel Sewing Box with Silver Mounts

Description

This Anglo Indian Coromandel Sewing Box with Silver Mounts, dating to circa 1830, is of sarcophagus form and constructed from richly figured coromandel. The exterior is mounted with silver fittings including a diamond shaped escutcheon, loop carrying handle and four fluted shell feet, with a single handled drawer fitted to the front.

Opening the box reveals a fitted interior lined in stitched yellow silk, with a partitioned removable tray and a series of slip compartments to the inside of the lid. The upper tray lifts out to reveal further storage beneath, while the front drawer provides an additional compartment below the main body of the box.

The silver feet retain illegible hallmarks to the underside however they do obtain the sterling marks for 925 silver. The box is complete with its working lock and tasselled key.

Measurements

14cm High x 23cm Wide x 17.5cm Deep

What is Anglo Indian?

Anglo Indian refers to 19th century furniture, boxes, and luxury decorative objects crafted in India by skilled native artisans for British colonial residents, military officers, and European export. Combining classic Western forms with traditional Indian craftsmanship, these pieces represent a distinct fusion of Regency, William IV, and Victorian designs executed in dense native hardwoods such as teak, rosewood, padouk, coromandel, and ebony. Characterised by intricate surface ornamentation, 19th century Anglo Indian objects frequently feature deeply hand carved foliate motifs, sadeli micro mosaic work, and fine inlays of bone, horn, and mother of pearl. Major regional workshops in Vizagapatam, Bombay, and Mysore specialised in producing high quality campaign furniture, tea caddies, writing slopes, and workboxes that remain highly prized by antique collectors today for their exceptional timber quality and master level bench construction.

What is Coromandel?

Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver refers to the alloy of metal containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling Silver objects are stamped with the 925 mark to confirm their authenticity.

View the full Silver Collection.

What is the Georgian Era?

The Georgian era was a period in British history from 1714 to 1837, named after the Hanoverian kings George the First, George the Second, George the Third and George the Fourth. Many historians also include the short reign of William the Fourth, whose death in 1837 marks the close of the era. Within this broader period lies the Regency era, which refers to the years when George the Fourth served as Prince Regent during the illness of his father George the Third.

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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.

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Additional information