Perfume Box in Walnut by Farthing & Thornhill

Description

Hobnail Cut Glass Bottles with Sterling Silver Lids

From our Vanity Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this charming Victorian perfume box veneered in figured walnut.

The perfume box of rectangular form with a domed lid is finely finished to the exterior with well figured walnut veneers, complemented by intricate brass strapping with clover leaf decoration. Each side of the box is fitted with substantial brass carrying handles, with a central flush mounted escutcheon to the front.

The interior retains its original blue silk lining with purple velvet lined partitions, housing three hobnail cut glass perfume bottles. Each bottle is fitted with a sterling silver lid, hallmarked London by George Brace and bearing the date letter g for 1862. The lids are additionally stamped by the retailer Farthing and Co and the rear of the box signed Farthing & Thornhill, 42 Cornhill.

The box dates to the mid nineteenth century and remains in very good condition throughout, with attractive colour to the walnut veneers and a well preserved original interior, making this a fine and complete example of a Victorian perfume box.

Farthing & Thornhill

were London manufactures and retailers in partnership operating from 42 Cornhill from around 1859, associated with John Farthing and Walter Thornhill. The firm is known for the retail of high quality fitted cases and boxes, continuing the Cornhill tradition of supplying well made writing, dressing and personal accessories during the mid nineteenth century.

For further information on Farthing or Thornhill see our makers and retailers.

Burr Walnut

is a rare and highly prized decorative timber formed from natural growths on walnut trees, producing dense wood with richly figured swirling grain and dramatic patterning. Valued for its depth of colour and ability to take a fine polish, it has long been used as veneer on high quality furniture and boxes where visual impact and craftsmanship were paramount.

For further information on Burr Walnut please see our Woods Encyclopaedia.

George Brace

was a London silversmith active from around 1855, working from St John Street Road, Clerkenwell. He is best known for producing high quality silver fittings for perfume bottles, vanity sets, boxes, and related luxury accessories. His business later developed into George Brace & Co and G Brace & Co Ltd in the early twentieth century.

For further information on silversmith George Brace please see our makers and retailers.

Sterling Silver

is an alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver, traditionally used for high quality objects due to its strength, durability, and bright finish. It is commonly identified by hallmarks that confirm purity, place of assay, maker, and date, allowing accurate authentication and dating. Sterling silver has been used for centuries in jewellery, boxes, tableware, and decorative objects.

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