Textiles and Stuff 

This is an excellent example of an inlaid sewing box of the Victorian era, inlaid with many different varieties of wood, which originates from the Portuguese island of Madeira and has a pleasing design of an anchor and an eagle holding a banner reading "forget me not". This is surrounded by stylised flowers in a star shape. The edge is bordered in a chevron pattern of different woods. The sides and back of the box are decorated with stringing and a fine chevron strip which is typical of this work. It was probably made for the British visitors during the mid-19th Century. The dimensions are as follows: Length: 12.5 ins/32 cms. Width: 8.5 ins./21.75 cms., Height: 4 ins./10cms. It is fitted with a lift out tray which has lidded compartments and two small velvet pincushions and there is a storage space beneath the tray. The lock is present but there is no key. It has been sympathetically restored and bears a few marks commensurate with age but it is in very good condition. This is a beautiful box and a rare example of its type. A must for collectors!

This is a delightful antique Victorian work or jewel box with an inlaid chevron design of many different varieties of wood. it has been sympathetically restored and can now be used for jewellery or small articles of value. It has a small mirror in the lid and a lift out tray with velvet lining. The box measures 25 cms. long 18 cms. wide and 11.5 cms deep. This is an very attractive box and would make an ideal Christmas gift.

This is a vintage wooden box made of solid rosewood. It has brass recessed brass handles at the sides and lock, but no key. The inside is divided into two sections and the base of the inside lined in green felt. It measures 39 cms long by 25 cms. wide and 24.5 cms. deep. Overall it is in excellent condition, but there was a fine crack in the lid which has been repaired. This is a very heavy box as it is solid rosewood and would cost about 11.50 by courier. Despatch abroad would I think be very expensive.

This is a delightful and very neat little antique Chinese style letter rack, which is decorated with garden scenes, with people sitting or walking about, with chinese lanterns in the trees. It probably tells a traditional story. It has two divisions for letters or papers and a hole in the top of the back to hang it if required. The painted panels are in excellent condition and show no damage. except for the usual slight signs of wear. There has been some sympathetic restoration, new feet have been fitted and one of the original dividers was missing but has been replaced. This is a delightful little letter rack and would look attractive on a desk or dressing table.

This is a very attractive antique inlaid wooden box in contrasting shades of inlay. It measures 25.5 cms long, 17.5 cms wide and 10.5 cms. deep. it has been carefully restored and lined in raw silk in a shade of gold, and it has no key. It has a mother of pearl escutcheon and a matching oval in the centre of the lid. this would make a lovely present and be useful for keeping trinkets and many other precious things. Please remember that all antique boxes show signs of wear and are not perfect!

This is an antique lacquered patchbox made of papier maché in China for the export market and dates I believe from the late 18th or early 19th Century. It is slightly domed especially on the base and is covered all over with black lacquer with a design painted in gold of three figures, one with a parasol. One is seated and the others standing facing him, in a scene portraying a small house and garden trees. The faces and hands are highlighted in pale pink. The box measures 3 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches deep and the lid and the base are domed.