The Hygra Antique Boxes at the Sign of the Hygra
2 Middleton Road, London, E8 4BL, UK.
(by appointment only)   
PHONE: 00 44 (0)20 7254 7074 
News    Buying   email History of boxes The Schiffer Book |


Sewing box 

writing-boxes

jewelry-boxes

tea caddies

Anglo-Indian

Chinese- export

penwork

Tunbridgeware

papier-mâché

Snuff boxes 

terms

Advanced Search

Youtube Channel

contents

Antique Rosewood box with pewter inlay circa 1820

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index | high resolution

Description:
Ref:  862JB  http://hygra.com/box/862JB 

Antique figured rosewood box with pewter inlay depicting scrolling foliage representing the emblems of the then United Kingdom: thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, rose for England and daffodil for Wales.   Inside it is lined with paper and has a velvet covered lift-out tray.

Perhaps a commemorative of The Prince Regent becoming George IV.  

Origin: UK;  Circa:1820; Materials: rosewood with pewter inlay .

Size: 28 cm wide by 19.7 cm by 11.8 cm:  11 inches wide by  7.8 inches by  4.7 inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

Keywords: Hygra.com, Antique box, pewter inlay, emblems of British Isles, George iv, 

Request current  list of available sewing boxes with prices.
Request current  list of available writing boxes with prices.

Request current  list of available jewelry boxes with prices.

Request current  list of available tea caddies with prices.

boxes@hygra.com

 

Enlarge Picture

Bookmark and Share

Enlarge Picture

Inside it is lined with paper and has a velvet covered lift-out tray.

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

Enlarge Picture

A

 

Enlarge Picture

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

Enlarge Picture

 

Enlarge Picture
The lock plate is stamped with a crown and "PATENT"

It still works and has a key.

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

Enlarge Picture
 Front

 

Detail of the inlay.
Enlarge Picture

 

Enlarge Picture

The scrolling design of the escutcheon depicts the symbols of the then British Isles: acorn for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, rose for England and daffodil for Wales.  

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

 

Enlarge Picture

Side

 

Enlarge Picture

 

The pewter inlay contrasts with the figured rosewood.

Enlarge Picture

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

Enlarge Picture

The same symbols acorn for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, rose for England and daffodil for Wales are depicted. It is engraved in Gothic script "G. R." 

Although initials in the cartouche are usually those of the owner, I can't help speculating that the box was made as a commemorative for George IV  ( The Prince Regent) who was crowned   King after the death of his father George III in 1820. 

 

George had created a market for objects with whimsy.  "Fancies"; the decoration is when examined always hours of work.

King George IV depicted wearing coronation robes and four collars of chivalric orders: the Golden Fleece, Royal Guelphic, Bath and Garter.

Thomas Lawrence - File:George IVcoronation.jpg from Royal Collection object 405918

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_IV_of_the_United_Kingdom 

How much employment was created dressing George like this?

 

 

Enlarge Picture

Rosewood is always interesting.  The grain and colour patterns never cease to surprise me.

Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

Enlarge Picture

 

All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2015 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us at copyright@hygra.com

Tea Caddy Gallery with animation update: Thumbnail Gallery of Tea Caddies

Tea Caddy Gallery 

 

Sewing Box Gallery with animation update: Thumbnail Gallery of Sewing boxes

Sewing Box Gallery    

 

Writing Box Gallery with animation update: Thumbnail Gallery of Writing boxes and slopes

Writing Box Gallery 

 

Jewelry Box Gallery with Animation update: Thumbnail Gallery of Jewelry boxes and Dressing boxes

Jewelry and Dressing box animated gallery