When this superb item was made over a century ago a master craftsman would have worked for many days constructing and shaping a box from dark rosewood, then inlaying the top and front with precious mother of pearl, before polishing the wood to a perfect gloss finish. The interior was then lined with rich, dark green satin and partitioned into smaller sections which could accommodate a variety of bottles and jars containing all manner of make-up and beauty treatments that a very rich lady might need on her travels. In the front half of the casket a tray was constructed that fitted snugly at the top with lidded compartments covered with the same green velvet material. And finally, at the base of one side of the box a secret spring-loaded drawer was cleverly slid into place which could only be released by a catch on the rim of the box once it had been opened. This would have been used to store romantic billets-doux and other private correspondence of the lady owner. A box like this might well have belonged to the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the first series of Downton Abbey.

The box contains most of its original contents: two glass perfume bottles with glass stoppers, four round glass containers with plain silver plated lids, and an oblong glass box with a loved silver plated lid featuring chased decoration. These are all in excellent condition with a chip to the top of one of the glass stoppers and minor dents in a couple of the round plated lids but otherwise no chips, cracks or other significant damage.

The overall condition of the box is excellent and the polished surface has acquired the most marvellous deep patina which only comes with decades of polishing – inevitably there are all the minor knocks, scratches and wear you’d expect in an authentic antique object. The mother of pearl inlay round the keyhole and on the top of the lid is entirely intact and undamaged. The interior lining has very little fading and only light wear. The thin wooden strips which divide the compartments in the top are all intact, as are the compartment lids. There's no key but the brass locking mechanism is still intact and the brass hinges are fully functional. Please view all photos as they form a major part of the item description. This splendid antique box measures approx. 30cm x 22.5cm x 17cm.