Excellent Bird's Eye Maple Dresser Box with Brass Fittings

Collectibles : Vanity Items

 

This beautiful gentleman's dressing box measures 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" by 2 1/2". The four ornate brass feet raise it to a total of 3" tall. It is skillfully assembled from 1/4" thick pieces of gorgeous golden maple. The brass fittings are very nice; hinges are tight and clasp is intact. The large stamped medallion on the lid features a lizard and a butterfly feeding on an exotic fruit tree. The bottom is covered in leathered paper; maroon with a gold web design.

The condition of this is outstanding. A few shallow bumps and nicks; one more substantial that I have shown in a close-up. There are two tiny splits by each hinge. I have shown a close-up of one; the other is similar. The photos are very indicative of the condition and color of this..it is beautiful.

The interior is also in great condition. The silk used to line these fitted boxes was fragile and shredded easily around the fittings. This one shows very little of this. I see wear in only 4 places and a spot on the front which I have not tried to remove. The lid is beautifully upholstered in the same midnight blue silk which is separated by a piece of ivory brocade with a pattern of daisies. The separation line is trimmed with gold braid. I thought these were pockets but they are not. The dramatic design is purely ornamental. These boxes were fitted to hold shaving and toilet items or collars and cuffs. This one probably held a manicure set; there are indents for the implements and possibly a buffer.

These boxes were popular from the late 1800's to about 1920 when this ornate style was overthrown for the sleek modern designs of the deco era.

Item ID: GM-00900