Description

Likely a Gift to Robert I, Duke of Parma

From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this large sized Rosewood box with brass inlay. The box of elongated rectangular form with quadrant brass edging and flush mounted brass carry handles to each side. The exterior beautifully inlaid to the front and lid with a border of brass scrolling floral work with 16 snowflakes shaped accents. To the lid, a crowned mirror monogram RR stands matching the monogram for Robert I, Duke of Parma (see last photo). To the front of the box if you look closely two escutcheons can be seen one more obviously located to the centre with a brass inlay, the second slightly hidden within the 6 o’clock snowflake inlay. When unlocked and pulled forward a hidden drawer is found. When opened the box reveals a Royal blue cushioned velvet interior with a nameplate to the rear for esteemed manufacturers Bayley & Blew who were frequently patroned by King George IV amongst other royalty. We believe the box may well of been a gift from the English Royal family to Robert I, Duke of Parma during a trip to England in the second half of the 19th century. The box dates to the Reign of Queen Victoria Circa 1855.

Robert I (Roberto Carlo Luigi Maria, 1848-1907) was the last sovereign Duke of Parma and Piacenza 1854-1859, when the duchy was annexed to Sardinia-Piedmont during the Risorgimento. He was a member of the House of Bourbon-Parma and descended from Philip, Duke of Parma, the third son of King Philip V of Spain and Queen Elisabeth Farnese.

Bayley and Blew were a small company based at 17 and 18 Cockspur Street in London. William Bayley was listed as a perfumer at 17 Cockspur Street, London, in 1779. In 1784, at the same address, the firm was listed as Bayley and Lowe. Then from 1799 to 1885 the firm was listed as Bayley Son and Blew. The company, in addition to its perfume business, made the finest quality small cabinets and writing slopes and work boxes

Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, Madagascan Rosewood, Mexican Rosewood, Rio Rosewood, Brazilian Rosewood, San Dominican and Santos Rosewood. All types are prized for their grain and colour. Generally, the colours range from a medium-dark red-reddish brown.

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