Featured Antique needlework box

Interior layout of this one is much like OP's:

http://hygra.com/uk/jb/jb136/

which seller says: The divisions of this tray are designed for sewing. The separations give an inspired space for jewelry or life icons.

 

I've got that book, it's wonderful

 

Needlework didn't need to be locked up but they always have a lock and key

 

Maybe to lock up the sterling silver sewing scissors?

(It just made me think of the episode of Downton Abbey when the Dowager Countess can't find her sterling letter opener & assumes that a servant stole it!)

 

Yes I didn't think of that, it was well to do ladies that had these lovely boxes and likely would have held lovely sewing tools so good thinking

 

Think it's more so contents don't get dumped if someone mindlessly lifts from the lid or knocks off. And if used for jewellery, makes it easy for someone to just steal the whole thing.

 

Certainly needlework, would have had some nice accessories. 1850s or a bit later, ivory and ebony parquetry in rosewood with elm or beech stringing. English. Value's dropped off a bit, which is sad.

 

You wouldn't want to leave a trail of jewellery when you make your getaway.

 

If that's the case...... & I don't say that lightly.... then many of these so called needle work boxes , must have been spirited away buy thieves ..... unknowing of it's contents.......

 

A lot of Victorian sewing boxes have features that make it easy to know what it was used for such as a pin cushion and thimble holder(s) but not all of them do.
Most do have the strip in the lid for sewing tools though or the same on a lid in the tray.
Jewellery boxes usually have a section for rings to slot into ect ...
Now Regency sewing boxes are a whole different ball game

 

Hey guys

Thanks for all the comments regarding the box. It’s clear that the box is 19th century. In terms of how to stick the right price tag to it, it would be helpful to know if it’s Georgian or not as from what I can tell, prices seem higher from this period?

In the meantime, completely forgot I had this box. I bought it a couple years back, never got around to researching it in any depth. What I do know is it’s a ‘secret box’ where the key is kept in a ‘secret’ compartment to the bottom right hand side of the box and to reveal it you need to slide the base of the box revealing the hidden compartment. Any info on this box would be great too

 

document box?

 

I can tell you for sure that your box isn't Regency/Georgian.
It's very definitely Victorian and I would put it in the latter quarter, possibly 1870-90.

Not sure on the second box.

 

Great thanks

 

Hey guys I have a couple more boxes I’d be interested in learning more about if anyone is able to offer any info?

Many thanks