Boulle Photo Frame by J.C. Vickery

Description

This Boulle Photo Frame by J.C. Vickery, dating to circa 1900, has a solid mahogany backboard with an integrated easel stand. The front is worked in tortoiseshell and brass boulle inlay, with stylised scrolling vines arranged around the photograph aperture.

The slightly domed top is centred by a vacant initial plaque, while the reverse is stamped J.C. Vickery, Regent Street, London.

See the opposing photo frame here. Vickery Photo Frame.

Measurements

17cm High x 19.5cm Wide x 2cm Deep (6.7 x 7.7 x 0.8 Inches)

Who was J. C. Vickery?

J. C. Vickery was a London retailer based on Regent Street, supplying silverware, jewellery, dressing cases, writing accessories and other luxury goods during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. The firm held several Royal Warrants and retailed goods under the Vickery name from some of London’s leading shopping addresses.

Among the wide range of objects sold by the firm were high quality boulle wares, including desk accessories, boxes and writing appointments, reflecting the continued popularity of French inspired boulle work during the late nineteenth century.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on John Collard Vickery.

What is Boulle?

Boulle work is a type of rich marquetry or inlay originally perfected by renowned French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle. It involves veneering objects or furniture with tortoiseshell and brass in elaborate designs often incorporating arabesques. It gives the objects an extremely attractive and unique appearance with the red tortoiseshell elegantly complimenting the gold-coloured brass inlay.

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.

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.

Additional information