SALE 20% Off! Antique Love Token Marquetry Dresser Box

Antiques : Boxes : Marquetry Dresser

 

Sweetpea Cottage is offering you the opportunity to own a finely crafted, marquetry dresser box. Dating from the fourth quarter of the 19th century, this box is beautifully executed and unusual. The marquetry design must have been a labor of love to complete. The marquetry work appears on all sides. As an unusual touch, on the lid and on the front there are two glass panel inserts. Under the panel on the top there is a printed phrase, “May you always be loved by those whom you love.” Under the glass panel on the front there is a rural scene showing a fence, country road and a body of water. This scene appears to have been taken from some printed material, probably a magazine. On the underside of the lid there is an early heart shaped mirror that is obviously original to the piece. Much of the silvering has flaked off. There is a lock but the key is missing. The keyhole was covered at one time with an escutcheon. The only remaining piece of the mother-of-pearl escutcheon was found inside of the box along with the two mounting screws. The box measures 8 inches long, 5 inches wide, and about 4 ½ inches tall. The inside is lined with dark green velour that is now dirty and quite worn. The same velour covers the bottom of the box, as well. There are also two rails that were clearly intended to support a tray that is now missing. There are no insect holes that we have been able to locate anywhere on the box. There are splits in some of the veneer, but they are consistent with the age of the box. All veneer is tight. The marquetry is done with a variety of woods, selected for grain and color. There is a rich glowing patina overall and there is a finish on all surfaces. We doubt that the finish is original, as it appears that some restoration was done on the box at one time. The construction is still sound and the condition is excellent. It can be used as it is and would make a very unusual jewelry box, desk caddy, or dresser box. This is a piece of fine handcrafted workmanship. It was made to last and has withstood the tests of time.

You can buy with confidence from Sweetpea Cottage. We stand behind everything that we sell. If you wish to return your purchase for any reason, simply notify us by email of your intentions within 3 days of receiving the item. We then ask that you return it to us in its original condition in a timely fashion. At that time we will refund the full purchase price minus any shipping charges. Shipping for this box is $14.00 which includes insurance for the full value of the item.

Item ID: AntMDB-239