Antique Burr Walnut Dressing Case Box & Silver Plated Fittings by Samuel Fisher of London (Code 1082)

A 19th century Victorian period fitted dressing case dating around 1860.  It is in burr walnut, is brass edged and has a brass plaque in the lid etched with the initials 'DA'.  The case has a brass Bramah lock and the release button is etched 'Fisher 188 Strand', this for the retailer Samuel Fisher, a well known London retailer of high class and fashionable goods who operated from this address in the mid to late 19th century.

The lid opens to reveal silver plated bottles and jars of various forms, all chased and with matching DA initials.  There is also a tray of implements which all seem original and includes a Sampson Mordan miniature pencil with garnet set end.  Even the scissors appear original and have the Fisher mark.  The front section is a tray which lifts out to reveal an empty area for further items.  The button on the back edge presses to release a sprung drawer at the bottom and this is lined in blue fabric for jewellery etc.  Set into the lid is a mirror with a ruched velvet back, this is released with a catch hidden just behind the lock latches and can be a bit tricky to open..  Behind the mirror is a pouch for papers, notes etc.

It is a fine quality example of it's type and would have been very expensive in it's day.  It is particularly nice to see the original implements still in place.

 

Box with normal age related wear, scratches and minor shrinkage splits in the wood, all in line with period.  Glass ware remarkably good for age and type with one oblong box having a rim chip.  Silver plating also much better than expected with little signs of wear.  The nail file has the tip broken off.  Mirror has foxing and some the frame edges have minor damage from careless removal from the case.  There is a tear in the fabric lining of the bottom drawer.  Lock working but can be fussy requiring pressing in at right spot to open/close.



Approx Dimensions


Height: 17 cm ( 6 3/4 inch )

Width: 30.5 cm ( 12 inch )

Depth: 23 cm ( 9 inch )
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Weight: 5110 grams (before packing)



Stock Code:  1082 MR18-6