Madeiran Marquetry Inlaid Antique Jewellery Box

( JB458 )
SOLD ~ Please contact us if you are looking for a similar box and we will endeavour to source one for you!

Beautiful Madeiran marquetry inlaid jewellery box, circa 1890-1910. Stunning exotic hardwood inlay and a beautiful newly refurbished satin-lined interior. Working lock and key.

Madeiran Marquetry Inlaid Antique Jewellery Box

Please contact us if you are looking for a similar box and we will endeavour to source one for you!

This is a beautiful antique jewellery box which was made in Madeira, Portugal. The box is made of solid Rosewood. It has a newly refurbished interior and high-quality marquetry inlay.

The Exterior

The lid has a beautiful marquetry inlaid panel, surrounded by two geometric inlaid frames. The marquetry features a couple in a Madeiran Oxen carriage (carros de bois), pulled by Bullocks and attended by men in traditional period Portuguese costume. The geometric inlay consists of beautiful exotic hardwoods.

The box is complete with its original working lock and key. It also has its original steel 'stop' hinges which hold the lid upright.

The bottom of the box has a new felt covering which will protect the surfaces of furniture.

This box is a stunning and very early example of its type.

Note

The lock is a little stiff. Please ensure the key is fully inserted before operating the lock.

The Interior

The interior has a single large storage compartment which has been professionally refurbished by our skilled box restorer. There is a new padded satin panel in the base of the compartment, and the interior walls plus the inside of the lid, have new satin linings. The satin is a beautiful teal blue colour.

The compartment is deep and roomy. It will hold a good amount of jewellery including large pieces such as watches, bangles and beads.

Age

Late Victorian/Early Edwardian. Circa 1890-1910.

History/Further Information

This box originates from the island of Madeira, probably from the village of Monte which is high in the hills above the capital city Funchal.

The Oxen carriage depicted in the marquetry is a sedan sled. These carriages with wooden runners were the means of travel in Funchal. Wheeled carriages were regarded as unsuitable because of the city's uneven cobbled roadways, steep hills and sharp bends.

The earliest oxcarts are believed to date as far back as 1477. They fell into disuse in the 1970s for hygienic reasons and because the roads had been improved.

The tradition of these carts has been kept alive in the form of sleds known as 'Monte Sledges'. These are used to carry tourists from the village of Monte to Funchal. They still go down the steep hill known as the 'Toboggan run' and they are operated by men dressed in traditional costume.

Some printed information relating to the above will be sent with this box.

Our Jewellery Box Restorer

You can read about Jim, our wonderful box restorer, by visiting our About Us page.

Condition

This wonderful box is in excellent condition. It has sound structure and only minor light age-related wear.

The hinges and lock are in good working order.

The interior linings, being new, are in excellent clean and unworn condition.

All of the inlay is present and secure.

Notes About Antique Locks

We would like to make you aware that antique locks can occasionally malfunction. They are already very old and will naturally have some wear from age and use. We are not responsible for locks that may malfunction from further age and use once boxes are purchased.

Please ensure the lock is still working as soon as you receive the box. It will be checked again prior to posting.

You can view our full returns policy which includes locks, by visiting our Payments And Returns page.

Measurements

Please use the following measurements to ensure the box is the right size for your requirements.

Length:  24.7cm
Width:   16.0cm
Height:    8.5cm

Interior Compartment:

22.5 by 13.5cm with a 5.4cm depth.

Postage

This box will be posted FREE within the UK by Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery.

NO International postage. We are very sorry but we cannot offer international postage on this particular box. This is due to the legalities of its Rosewood.

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