Description

Victorian Circa 1880

From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian Boulle Trinket Box, the box of rectangular form with brass edging and a fine scrolling brass inlay with a tortoiseshell base. The Box with a circular brass vacant initial plaque to the centre of the lid finished with two quality brass hinges. The interior of the box contains the original simple cedar wood lining. The Box dates to the late 19th century during the Victorian era circa 1880 and would have been retailed by Asprey of London.

Boulle is a rich marquetry process or inlay perfected by renowned French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732). It involves veneering furniture with sheets of tortoiseshell which have been meticulously inlaid with brass and/or pewter in elaborate designs, often incorporating arabesques.

Asprey was established in 1781 by William Asprey in central London. Asprey advertised ‘articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.’ The company grew and began to acquire several manufacturing facilities and hired silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers including Ernest Betjeman. In 1859, Asprey bought ‘Edwards’, a Royal Warrant holder and award winning dressing case maker. In 1862 Asprey was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria and the company enjoyed a long relationship with various members of the British Royal Family.

Cedar wood has many variations, it is also known as Lebanon Cedar. True Cedar can be found in Asia, Europe and North Africa. Cedar trees are long lived and often offer poor quality, knotty wood. Logs used for veneer are carefully chosen to make sure they have a clean, straight grain. African Cedar, or Bosse, found in West Africa is a pink-brown colour when fresh, turning into a dark almost mahogany colour with age. Brazilian Cedar found in South America is a medium brown colour and Western Red Cedar is found in North America which is a more durable cedar with a colour ranging from pink-brown to dark red.

Victorian, an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

Every purchase made from Mark Goodger Antiques is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of documents to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. This includes our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen item, and an independent invoice for insurance purposes. Additionally, your purchase is protected by our no-hassle, money-back policy, and your item will be fully insured during the shipping process to safeguard against damage or loss.

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