Coromandel Vanity Box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe
Coromandel vanity box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe, of rectangular form with brass bound edges and a fitted interior, dating to the mid nineteenth century. The exterior is veneered in Coromandel with brass edging, the lid inlaid with a crowned... Read More
Coromandel vanity box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe with silver gilt fittings and fitted interior, mid nineteenth century example linked to the Royal Household and Queen Victoria.
| Dimensions | 38.5 × 28 × 28 cm |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Cites | YEKF322D |
| Year | |
| Provenance | |
| Period | |
| Medium | |
| SKU | 168706 |
Description
Description
Coromandel vanity box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe, of rectangular form with brass bound edges and a fitted interior, dating to the mid nineteenth century.
The exterior is veneered in Coromandel with brass edging, the lid inlaid with a crowned monogram ELC for Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe (née Campbell), Countess of Desart and Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria between 1845 and 1864. The quality of the materials and the presence of the coronet immediately establish the piece within an aristocratic and courtly context.
The interior of the lid is lined in green velvet, embroidered with a Countess coronet and monogram. Set behind is a removable freestanding mirror with a gilt frame, concealing a leather letter case lined in silk. The interior back edge bears the stamp of Ortner and Houle of St James, London, Royal Warrant holders and engravers to Queen Victoria.
The case contains a comprehensive fitted arrangement of fifteen hand cut glass travelling containers, housed within a velvet lined interior. Each is mounted with silver gilt lids surmounted by solid gold Countess coronet and initials. The silver gilt lids are hallmarked for Tween and Purnell, 1866.
The front folds down to reveal an accoutrements panel containing a further eighteen tools, including a needle case, scissors, corkscrew and a pair of rulers, one in mother of pearl and the other in sterling silver. When opened fully, the side sections extend outward, allowing access to concealed compartments beneath the fitted trays. These include a hand mirror, glove stretcher and shoehorn.
A drawer positioned above the front panel contains brushes and a letter opener, released by pressing the engraved plate to the interior back edge. The lock plate is by Chubb & Son, Royal Warrant holders, and is stamped with registration number 488065.
This vanity box represents the combined work of several specialist makers, brought together in a single commission of high quality and complexity. The direct ownership by Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe, together with her position within the Royal Household, firmly places the piece within the circle of Queen Victoria’s court. We are confident the vanity box was commissioned by Queen Victoria for Lady Cuffe, either as a presentation piece marking her service or possibly as a personal gift.
View our full Vanity Box Collection.
PRICE ON APPLICATION
Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe (neé Campbell)
Lady Cuffe was considered by many, to be a lady of exceptional beauty. She is said to have caught the eye of Napoleon III when he met her at a society soiree during his residence at Leamington Spa in 1838. It is said that a fellow guest asked him if he liked the house at which the soiree was being held, to which he replied “I like it very much but…” (turning to the countess) “… the pretty Desart even more.” Elizabeth married the 3rd Earl of Desart on June 28, 1842. In 1845 the Countess was invited to become Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria 1845 – a role she took delight in, until 1864.
Chubb & Son (1818-1990)
Chubb & son patent lock and safe makers to the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Chubb’s first Special Licence was granted in 1823 by King George IV. Among other early customers of note were the Duke of Wellington who ordered four locks and a new key for Apsley House. They also supplied the Bank of England with two locks priced at 6 guineas each.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Chubb & Son.
Ortner & Houle (Evan Ortner and Henry Houle)
Ortner and Houle of 3 St James’s St and 4 Pickering Place, London worked c.1860-c.1900 were jewellers and suppliers of outstanding fitted travelling cases. They were also specialist heraldic seal, die and medal engravers and were Royal Warrant holders in that regard.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Ortner & Houle.
William Tween & Fred Purnell
Tween and Purnell were London dressing case makers and silversmiths working in Hatton Garden during the mid nineteenth century. They acquired and continued the well regarded Pittway Brothers business, producing high quality fitted cases and silver mounted travelling equipment. By the late 1860s, the partnership dissolved, with Frederick Purnell continuing the firm.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Tween & Purnell.
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
Additional information
| Dimensions | 38.5 × 28 × 28 cm |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Cites | YEKF322D |
| Year | |
| Provenance | |
| Period | |
| Medium | |
| SKU | 168706 |
