Regency Tortoiseshell Sewing Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay

Description

This Regency tortoiseshell sewing box with mother of pearl inlay, dating to circa 1820, is of slight sarcophagus form with a gently tapered body, raised convex lid and four turned ivory bun feet.

The lid is finely inlaid with blossoming flowers and foliage in mother of pearl, while the canted corners are framed by silver and ivory stringing. A vacant silver initial plaque is mounted to the top, complemented by a matching silver escutcheon to the front above the turned ivory handle for the lower drawer.

Opening the sewing box reveals a vibrant yellow silk and paper lined interior with a ruched inner lid. The fitted interior retains a beaded tool tray containing various sewing implements together with a removable tool pad. The lower drawer provides additional storage lined in matching yellow paper, and the sewing box retains its working lock and tasselled key.

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Measurements

12cm High x 22cm Wide x 15cm Deep (4.72 x 8.66 x 5.9 Inches)

What is Tortoiseshell?

Tortoiseshell is a decorative material historically produced from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. The material is composed of keratin, the same natural substance found in horn, and can be heated, shaped and polished to produce a rich translucent surface with mottled tones of amber, brown and dark honey.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries tortoiseshell was widely used in fine decorative objects including boxes, tea caddies, snuff boxes and dressing table items. The material could be worked as veneer, inlaid with metals or other materials, and polished to a deep glossy finish which enhanced its distinctive colour and pattern.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the E.U. 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 14 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? 

The 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.

What is Mother of Pearl? 

Mother of Pearl is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is the same material that natural pearls are made from and is desirable due to its strong and resilient makeup along with its beautiful iridescent shimmer.

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.

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