17th-18th Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket
SOLD
Request Information
Follow Us
17th-18th Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket
Fit for a Queen…
From time to time an object can certainly grab your imagination, this casket of small proportions is no exception. The casket has a lovely hand-written note stating, ‘The jewel box originally belonged to Queen Elizabeth and came direct into the family’. Now, boxes of this form though usually veneered in oysters of Kingwood and
occasionally shagreen, is thought to date between 1675-1700 which would place this box around 100 years too late for the Elizabethan period. It is, however, possible that the casket belonged to Queen Elizabeth and could have been made some 100 years before this style became ‘mainstream’ given the quality of the silver braid, gold plated hand-cut metalwork and the quality of the once bright red silk velvet, not to mention, bright green silk interior.
To our knowledge, this casket is the only example to be recorded of this exceptionally small size and in silk velvet, with hand-cut and filed, not cast, strap-work. Examples of strongbox or coffre fort can be found in oyster cut hardwoods, marquetry and occasionally shagreen, in the most important collections and museums, to name a few – Ham House, Victoria and Albert Museum, Met, Burghley House, Levens Hall, etc. A walnut example on stand was also supplied by royal cabinet maker Gerrit Jensen to Colonel James Grahme of Levens Hall in 1688. However, it should be noted that this is not a coffre fort it is a casket. Coffre forts purpose was to transport items of importance from one’s estate to one’s carriage and to be screwed to the floor using large bolts housed in the side rails. This casket was most likely made to house a single item of importance and was possibly presented as a gift.
The note states – “The jewel box originally belonged to Queen Elizabeth and came direct into the family. The cloak fastener is what gentleman in the olden times used to fasten on the left shoulder a long piece of cloth thrown over They have been many many years in the family. Mrs C Bradbent Granddaughter C Hobbs”
Regardless of whether or not the casket was once the property of Queen Elizabeth, it is a beautiful, untouched and extremely rare item fit for the regalest of collections.
Condition
The piece is in exceptional original condition. Minor conservation to preserve.
Provenance
Literature
Dimensions
PREVIOUSLY SOLD
Louis XV Style French Lantern
A superb large French brass lantern of Louis XV style, 19th century. The five light chandelier within a cylindrical lantern cast with scrolling acanthus, shells and vase-shaped finials with serpentine glazed panels, fitted for electricity.
17th-Century Ebony Veneered Table Clock with Alarm and Pull Quarter Repeat
A magnificent sprung driven table clock by respected London maker George Etherington. The late 17th century, ebony- veneered table clock with alarm and pull quarter repeat on two bells, signed on the chapter ring Etherington London, and on the backplate Geo Etherington LONDON, c. 1695-1700.
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Censer Modelled as a Crane 18/19th Century Qing Dynasty
The characterful and charming 18/19th-century cloisonne enamel censer, is modelled as a crane with straight gilt-metal legs, realistically detailed feet and claws, standing on a detailed gilt base. The neck gracefully curved above the plump hollow body brightly enamelled in turquoise.
Large Pair of Blue and White Baluster Vases and Covers
Each jar is decorated with four reserves on a ground of scrolling flowers. The domed covers are surmounted by a finial. LATE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911).
Charles II Pewter Flat Lid Tankard
The Oak Interior – An extremely rare Charles II pewter tankard dated 1666. The tankard bears a crested stamp dated 1666 to the inside of the base. The flat caddy and ringed lid are stamped to the top with four hallmarks of the period and the initials C B. The beautifully crafted handle terminates at a bifurcated rams horn hinged thumb piece and the vessel sits on a multiple ringed and flared base.
17th-Century Olive Oyster Lace Box
Charming and original 12” olive oyster lace box, circa 1680-90. It is most likely that this gorgeous piece was commissioned during the short reign of William and Mary (1689-1702). This was a great time in British furniture design with some of the most notable pieces to date being commissioned.
Louis XV Style French Lantern
A superb large French brass lantern of Louis XV style, 19th century. The five light chandelier within a cylindrical lantern cast with scrolling acanthus, shells and vase-shaped finials with serpentine glazed panels, fitted for electricity.
17th-Century Ebony Veneered Table Clock with Alarm and Pull Quarter Repeat
A magnificent sprung driven table clock by respected London maker George Etherington. The late 17th century, ebony- veneered table clock with alarm and pull quarter repeat on two bells, signed on the chapter ring Etherington London, and on the backplate Geo Etherington LONDON, c. 1695-1700.
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Censer Modelled as a Crane 18/19th Century Qing Dynasty
The characterful and charming 18/19th-century cloisonne enamel censer, is modelled as a crane with straight gilt-metal legs, realistically detailed feet and claws, standing on a detailed gilt base. The neck gracefully curved above the plump hollow body brightly enamelled in turquoise.
Large Pair of Blue and White Baluster Vases and Covers
Each jar is decorated with four reserves on a ground of scrolling flowers. The domed covers are surmounted by a finial. LATE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911).
Charles II Pewter Flat Lid Tankard
The Oak Interior – An extremely rare Charles II pewter tankard dated 1666. The tankard bears a crested stamp dated 1666 to the inside of the base. The flat caddy and ringed lid are stamped to the top with four hallmarks of the period and the initials C B. The beautifully crafted handle terminates at a bifurcated rams horn hinged thumb piece and the vessel sits on a multiple ringed and flared base.
17th-Century Olive Oyster Lace Box
Charming and original 12” olive oyster lace box, circa 1680-90. It is most likely that this gorgeous piece was commissioned during the short reign of William and Mary (1689-1702). This was a great time in British furniture design with some of the most notable pieces to date being commissioned.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet £23,500Follow Us19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet EXTREMELY RARE MANTEL CLOCK WITH A FIGURED MAHOGANY-VENEERED CASE by A-L...
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock £4,850Follow UsUnusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock CaseThe clock has a gilt-brass case which is a variation on the...
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier £13,900Follow UsFine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier A fine and rare early 18th century George I Gilt Gesso pier or...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 £3,900Follow Us17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box of perfect...
18th Century George II Scarlet-Red Japanned Corner Cupboard Att. Giles Grendey
18th Century George II Scarlet/Red Japanned Corner Cupboard, Att. Giles Grendey Follow Us18th Century George II Scarlet/Red Japanned Corner Cupboard, Att. Giles Grendey A fine and rare early 18th century George II scarlet japanned chinoiserie...
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan £5,800Follow UsSigned Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of...
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet £23,500Follow Us19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet EXTREMELY RARE MANTEL CLOCK WITH A FIGURED MAHOGANY-VENEERED CASE by A-L...
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock £4,850Follow UsUnusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock CaseThe clock has a gilt-brass case which is a variation on the...
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier £13,900Follow UsFine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier A fine and rare early 18th century George I Gilt Gesso pier or...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 £3,900Follow Us17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box of perfect...
18th Century George II Scarlet-Red Japanned Corner Cupboard Att. Giles Grendey
18th Century George II Scarlet/Red Japanned Corner Cupboard, Att. Giles Grendey Follow Us18th Century George II Scarlet/Red Japanned Corner Cupboard, Att. Giles Grendey A fine and rare early 18th century George II scarlet japanned chinoiserie...
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan £5,800Follow UsSigned Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Diminutive Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of...