Victorian Shell Encrusted Box With Mirror and Pincushion Interior, 19th Century

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Victorian Shell Encrusted Box with Mirror and Pincushion Interior, 19th Century

The Victorians knew how to make a souvenir. This … Read more Victorian Shell Encrusted Box with Mirror and Pincushion Interior, 19th Century

The Victorians knew how to make a souvenir. This shell-encrusted box — every inch of it covered, from the two big spotted tiger cowries and the pearl-polished turban shell on the domed lid down to rows of tiny iridescent shells laid like beadwork — was the kind of treasure carried home from Brighton or Margate a century and a half ago. Open it and the charm doubles: a mirror in the lid, and the original fitted interior with two blue silk pincushions and a little covered caddy, all in their period marbled papers.

There is even a famous footnote: the largest London workshop making these boxes belonged to the Samuel family, whose shell-import business grew into the Shell Oil company — name, scallop logo and all. Set this one on a dressing table, a bathroom shelf, a stack of books in a guest room, or anywhere a little Victorian seaside magic is wanted; collectors of shellwork, sailor’s valentines and grand tour souvenirs will know exactly what they are looking at.

Height: 6½ inches; width 9¼ inches; depth 8 inches. Good antique condition with occasional small shell losses, as shown in the photographs.

Suggested structured fields: Period Mid-19th Century; Styles Victorian, Nautical, Coastal; Origin England; Materials Shell, Wood, Silk.

(Ref: NY11230-amrx) See less