Description

With Mother of Pearl Decoration

From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Tortoiseshell Sewing Box. The sewing box of slight sarcophagus shape with gently tapered body with a convex and raised lid. The Sewing Box stands upon four turned ivory bun feet elevating it from the floor.  The top of the Sewing Box beautifully inlaid with blossoming flowers and foliage. The box with canted corners separated with both silver and ivory stringing surmounted by a vacant silver initial plaque. The front of the box fitted with a matching silver escutcheon above a turned ivory handle on the bottom drawer. When opened the interior reveals a vibrant yellow silk and paper lining with a ruched inner lid, a beaded tool tray with various sewing implements and removable tool pad. The bottom drawer opens to reveal further storage lined in a matching yellow paper. The Sewing Box dates to the early 19th century regency period during the reign of George, Prince of Wales (prince regent later George IV) circa 1820.

The Sewing Box comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

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.

Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

Regency 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.

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.

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