A novelty Sorento ware box from Italy and made in olive wood.  The front resembles a book shelf and the top has parquetry inlay and is also painted with three swallows, one holding a twig in its mouth.  To open the box, you slide the base backwards which allows the panel covering the lock to drop down revealing the key hole.  You can then lock or unlock the box.  The lock is working and comes with a key and tassel as can be seen in the images.  The interior of the box is lined in red fabric which appears to be original.  The box was likely intended for jewellery or trinkets and would date to around 1900.

Condition

The exterior of the box is good for period with normal wear and marks.  There is some paint loss to the birds.  To the top right corner of the lid is a patch of rib marks possibly from where someone has stood something on it in the past.  Small chip to the rear corner edging.  The interior fabric has some wear as you would expect for a period piece. 

Measurements (Approx)

Length:  23 cm  ( 9 inches)

Height: 10.5 cm  ( 4 1/8 inches)  

Depth: 13 cm  ( 5 1/8 inches) 

Weight: 846 grams (before packing).

Stock Code:  3069 DC22-3