Heading : Tunbridge Ware - Rectangular Wooden-lined Box with Floral and Oak & Acorn Mosaic c1870 
Date : c1870
Period : Victorian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells, England
Decoration : Larger than a standard glove box, this has a hinged base and lid; rather than the more normal plain interior which was intended to be lined with material or paper, this has 2mm fitted internal 'veneers' which would appear never to have been covered; to the flat lid top - a mosaic of oak leaves and acorns set within continuous and banded key-line stringing and a rosewood reserve; further matching stringing and a six-square geometric border; the same stringing also frames a narrow floral band which runs around all four edges of the body; keyhole has a domed stick-ware escutcheon; base lined with plain, dark red paper.
Size : 26.9 x 11.3 x 8.6 cm
Condition : Excellent; externally in very fine condition with just a couple of small bumps to the edge of the base and very minimal rounding to the corners; the plain wood liner has some ink or paste stains, and the round imprint of a small ink bottle, which suggest that it may have been used as an artists box at some point over the last 150 years or so; unfortunately, the key is absent
Restoration : none
Weight :  510 grams

Notes : The very sturdy construction of this box, along with the nature of the decorative mosaics and - especially - the raised, domed escutcheon - mark it out as having been produced by Henry Hollamby