Description

Fully Fitted Mother of Pearl Interior 

From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this fine Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Fitted Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of casket shape beautifully veneered in exotic coromandel with squared feet edged in brass with a raised pagoda style lid. The exterior of the Sewing Box is extensively inlaid with boulle, mother of pearl and abalone shell worked in various methods with engraved brass, and mother of pearl blossoming flowers. The lid features a harlequin style border with further brass scrollwork inlay framing an elaborate mother of pearl vacant initial plaque. Once opened the interior reveals a red velvet inner lid bordering a drop down mirror with rear document storage. The top lift out tray contains a plethora of mother of pearl and steel sewing tools including winders, thimbles, a scent bottle and scissors with various partitions and a red velvet lining. Below the tray is a large area for storing other sewing tools, yarn or accessories. The Coromandel Inlaid Sewing Box is without a doubt attributed to John Turrill of 52 New Bond Street, London and dates to the middle of the 19th century during the Victorian period circa 1850. Sold with provenance letters.

The Coromandel Inlaid Sewing Box by John Turrill comes complete with a working lock and tasseled key.

Measurements (inches) 6.7 High x 14.17 Wide x 11 Deep

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue page 36

John Turrill of Regent Street, London – Maker of Dressing and Writing Cases (Active 1826–1940)

John Turrill established his business in 1826 at 352 Oxford Street as a stationer. By 1832, he had expanded to an additional location at 246 Regent Street.

In 1834, 250 Regent Street became his sole address. By 1838, his enterprise had evolved into a manufactory specializing in writing and dressing cases, and by 1845, it was officially listed as John Turrill & Co. in the London Post Office Directory.

The Turrill firm continued operating well into the 20th century, with its last recorded presence at 250 Regent Street in 1940, as noted in the Pigot Company London and Provincial Directory.

Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years.

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.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information