A fabulous Victorian Jewellery Cabinet C 1860 of superb quality, veneered on all surfaces with the finest burr walnut and applied on all sides with brass Gothic style straps; the top with a complex fretted monogram and an engraved representation of a catfish framed by a heraldry belt engraved with the legend 'FRANCA LEALE TOGE'*.
The interior of the box is brass rimmed and lined with maroon silk and with a ruched velvet panel on the reverse of the lid. This panel drops forward by means of a hidden release, revealing a secret area for letters, papers etc. The rest of the interior is similarly lined, and consists of a lift-out tray with several sections and a deep compartment below. The front panel, when released by means of hidden pressure points at either side, drops forward, revealing two drawers, each with a burr walnut front panel and the same velvet lining. Both drawers have Chubb locks operated by the same key.
The box is secured with a Bramah lock & key.
*'FRANCA LEALE TOGE' is a legend in Cornish, which translates in English as 'FREE AND LOYAL ART THOU', the motto of Godolphin & Latymer School for girls in Hammersmith West London.
Weight 6.10 kg
Dimensions 33 x 23 x 20 cm
