Featured Regency/William IV Sewing box

I finally bit the bullet and treated myself to one of my bucket list antique items. It looks so nice, I wondered if it was one of @Poisonivy projects!
Photos here are from the seller and are better than any photos I would take myself, and I have not yet received the box. It was listed as Regency, is that correct? (Just how does one determine the age of these sewing boxes? What does one look for?)
I find it so interesting that, in the center of the accessories tray, two little ?needle? keepers slide into the right and left sides of the center boxed area. (In the last photo, they have been pulled out.)
The inside is in such wonderful condition, I assume it’s been refurbished? It’s missing the key, any leads for acquiring a replacement? Also, one of the wood handle rings is broken (not pictured) and the other is missing, I’m wondering if something like this 1.5” brass ring (from buckleguy dot com) would be an acceptable replacement.


The box:



( Title edited, thank you @Ce BCA )

 

With the MOP inlay they are often ascribed William IV period, but that's right next to the Regency and there was of course overlap - so basically yes, calling it Regency is OK.

The keys from this period are pretty basic, usually just 1 or 2 levers so its relatively easy to file a key to fit if you can get something close in size to start with. If the lock can be taken out easily (ie the fabric isn't glued over it) it is even easier to do as you can see the workings.

Interior looks like it might have had some work (ie the fabrics covering the lids, but some of it looks original to me (sides and edge tops). You already know the handles were wood, so really it's just an aesthetic choice what or if you want to put something in place.

 

Thanks so much, Ce BCA!
I'd prefer to stay as original as possible so wood rings would be ideal but I don't know how I would acquire replacements or even fit them in.

Antiquekeys dot net has these "jewelry box" replacement keys (key style #16) available, would one be worth a try?

 

A clear concise image of the keyhole on your LOVELY Sewing Box??? And can you measure it...the opening??? Kind of how I've outlined below in red??? I'm not saying I do (I haven't checked yet) but maybe one of us (members) might have a key that MIGHT fit....since you're in the US......!

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I can certainly do that... when it arrives!

 

More (seller) photos:

 

Sure makes me think of @Poisonivy's work!!!!!

 

Forgot to ask... is it rosewood?

 

Looks like it, yes. It will be rosewood veneer likely over mahogany.

Key #16 looks about the type, problem is some need longer levers than others. Is there not a box dealer at a local booth? They'll likely have a big stash of keys they may let you try.

 

Antique jewelry & writing-box, sewing-box etc...keys...and locks, for that matter...are usually very simple.

I have a whole pile of antique keys at home. I just dig one out that fits the lock, shove it in, see which way it turns, and start filing. Most of the time, it works. Of course, as the others have said, if you can pull the lock apart, it does make it easier. If not, you'll have to do it by feel, which is harder, but not impossible.

 

Not quite Regency but thereabouts, the lids and needle books have been recovered and the mount around the quilt in the lid, as far as I can tell the rest is original, nice that it still has it's metal trim, that often goes missing.
Not my work though

 

Thank you for weighing in!
Would it be correct for me to consider it c.1830-ish?

 

Yes it would

 

Nice box, yes 1830-50, this design was very popular so was made over a few decades. As for the key, try and find a antique dealer/collector who has a bunch of old keys (the replacement keys pictured above aren't a good idea as they look so fake and new) many collectors have large stash, you really do need the lock next to the keys to try as I have been through 80 keys before I've found 1 that fits.
It's fantastic you have one ring that can be easily glued and as for a replacement just find a wood turner and it won't take them a minute to turn another, then just cut it with a thin kerfed saw and re-glue back in place when it's on the mount.

 

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

My bucket list Regency/William IV lovely sewing box has been confiscated by the eBay global shipping program! They are neither sending it to me nor returning it to the seller! Are they going to destroy that lovely sewing box??
Yes, I’ve been refunded, but I WANT MY BOX and it’s heartbreaking to think of it being destroyed!
@Poisonivy @Ce BCA have you had trouble with international shipping of rosewood boxes? It was being shipped from the UK to the US. It never occurred to me that a two hundred year old antique would be an issue! (And it obviously never occurred to the seller either!)

 

If that inlay was ivory, that would do it. The bots strike again. (argggh!!!) One more reason I only offload ivory locally.

 

The inlay was mother-of-pearl. I think it's the rosewood that did it.

 

It will be the Rosewood, it's protected here in the UK, as yet Ivory is still allowed to be sold.
I haven't ever bought internationally but I think it's ridiculous, it's over a hundred years old.
I'm sorry you're not going to get your box, I hope you find another one soon

 

Yes, Indian rosewood (most antique boxes) are now in annex B of Cites and since 2017 annex B items have been subject to restrictions. There seems to be conflicting information on whether you need an export permit as pre 1947 items are exempt from CITES (again nearly all rosewood boxes). I have not been able to get a suitable answer. I have also had trouble with mahogany, even though only mahogany timber is covered by CITES.

I guess ebay are being cautious.

You can get export permits, but they are expensive and the exports have to go via certified means of transport and ports of entry. This is how they move wood for legitimate manufacturing such as instruments. I don't think it was meant for antiques, it just seems to be caught up in it all.

 

So sorry to hear this! It is such a lovely box.