Antique early 20th century leather bound silk lined oak jewelry box with lovely gold hand painted lines this lovely small jewelry box has a 👍 interior amazing escutcheon ( lock) (unfortunately key missing) some age related wear there is a tear along the top  see pictures does not detract from the item and I have priced accordingly 
15 cm wide 
7 cm tall 
10 cm depth 
Leather-bound jewelry boxes have a history dating back to ancient Egypt, where valuable boxes were used to hold and protect jewelry. They gained particular prominence in medieval Europe as security for valuables, with wooden boxes often covered in leather and bound with iron. During the 19th century, elaborate, hand-tooled leather and gilt-brass cases became popular, while the 20th century saw the rise of mass-produced, often smaller boxes made from leather and other materials due to industrialization. 
Ancient and medieval origins
Ancient Egypt: Wealthy Egyptians used boxes for storing and securing jewelry, with many crafted from gold and inlaid with precious stones.
Medieval Europe: As a security measure, the wealthy used strongboxes made of wood, often covered in leather and reinforced with iron bands and locks, to protect their valuables.
Courtship ritual: In this era, jewelry boxes became part of engagement traditions, with grooms presenting them to prospective brides. 
18th and 19th centuries: Elaborate craftsmanship 
18th Century: Jewelry boxes became more elaborate, with influences from France and other parts of the world.
19th Century: High-quality, hand-tooled leather jewelry boxes with brass fittings became popular, often featuring intricate designs.
The Victorian era: The growing interest in collecting led to the creation of more decorative boxes, which became status symbols for the affluent.
Travel cases: For travel, bespoke, durable leather cases were made with soft sheepskin linings to protect the boxes during transport. 
Modern era: Mass production and new materials 
Industrial Revolution: The ability to mass-produce jewelry boxes made them more affordable and accessible to a wider market.
Mid-20th century: After the World Wars, new designs, including popular musical boxes from Switzerland, emerged.
Modern day: Today, jewelry boxes are made from a variety of materials, including leather, PVC, resin, and wood. Mass production has made them widely available, while antique and vintage styles remain popular among collectors.