Antique Victorian late 19th century leather bound probably oak jewellery box
Antique Victorian late 19th century leather bound, probably oak, jewelelry box. It is velvet and silk lined. A stunning looking item. Some age related wear, shows it's age (displayed with other items for sale separately not included). Amazing brass handle and lovely shield shape escutcheon ( unfortunately key missing).
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10 cm tall
15 cm depth
20 cm wide
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Antique leather-bound jewellery boxes evolved from ancient Egyptian luxury items into 19th-century status symbols and practical storage, with elaborate French and British styles featuring gold tooling and Morocco leather linings becoming popular, while the Industrial Revolution made them accessible to a broader market, with bespoke protective outer cases made for travel.
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Early Origins & Status Symbol (Ancient Times - 18th Century)
Ancient Egypt: Jewellery boxes were luxurious items made from gold and precious stones, serving as storage for valuable jewellery.
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Royal & Elite Use: For much of history, jewellery boxes were symbols of wealth, owned by royalty and high society to store and display treasures.
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18th Century: Boxes became more decorative, influenced by French design, with intricate craftsmanship becoming a hallmark of prestigious items.
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Height of Craftsmanship (19th Century - Victorian Era)
Intricate Leatherwork: High-quality, hand-tooled leather boxes with brass fittings and intricate designs became fashionable.
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Materials: Fine leathers, particularly Morocco leather, known for its softness and resilience, were used for linings and trays.
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Status Symbol: The Victorian era's collecting trend amplified the jewelry box's role as a status symbol, showcasing wealth and taste.
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Travel Cases: Bespoke, durable leather outer cases lined with sheepskin were created to protect valuable boxes and their contents during journeys.
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Industrialization & Modernity (Late 19th Century - Present)
Industrial Revolution: Mass production made jewelry boxes more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Mid-20th Century: The post-war period saw new designs emerge, including popular musical boxes from Switzerland.
Modern Era: Today, a variety of materials are used, but antique and vintage leather styles remain highly sought after by collectors.
Key Features & Craftsmanship
Gold Tooling: Leather interiors were often elaborately decorated with gold tooling.
Maker's Marks: Retailers and makers would stamp or tool their names onto brass plates or leather, often hidden in compartments.
Morocco Leather: Valued for its suppleness and strength, this leather, tanned with sumac, was used for linings.
Bespoke Features: Hidden compartments, such as letter wallets lined with leather, were commo
