Our discovery of two handwritten inscriptions on the bottom of this stunningly elegant jewelry box confirm the date it was presumably given as a treasured gift as December 25, 1907, during the Edwardian Era. Acquired through an Estate Sale filled with immaculately preserved treasures, the exterior is absolutely original. Velvet brocade in a sapphire blue tone covers the underlying wooden jewelry box. Areas hidden from the effects of sunlight reveal its originally brilliant color. Sumptuous portraits of powerfully attractive females adorn two hinged doors with interior mirrors. The original pressed metal latch with age appropriate patina was designed to keep the doors closed. A pressed metal handle, also in original, unrestored condition, provides access to a drawer. A curved, hinged top adorned with a scene of ladies and a gentleman enjoying a musical interlude lifts to reveal a satin-lined interior designed to cradle a woman’s collection of prized jewelry. Jewelry shown in photograph is for display purposes only. JEWELRY IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE OF THIS ITEM. Decorative elements are made of embossed celluloid, the first synthetic plastic material. Initially developed as Parkesine in 1856, known as Xylonite in 1869, and finally registered as Celluloid in 1870, it was especially popular during the Victorian Era for decorative accoutrements on a lady’s dressing table. A background of red-berried holly, mistletoe with white berries, and snow dusted springs of conifer suggest a Christmas theme. Plants, flowers, and animals were used to convey special meaning in Victorian times, however, and their symbolism is significant in this remarkable jewelry box. Holly = Domestic Happiness. Dove = Peace, Friendship, and a Bringing of Hope. Conifer = The First Christmas Tree, decorated by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who brought the custom from his native Germany. This might be the perfect piece of Victoriana for the passionate collector, or perhaps a gift given to one’s beloved, much in the same way as it may have been on Christmas Day in 1907. The jewelry box measures approximately 11″ in length, 6″ in width, and 12 in height when closed. As with any antique, there are condition issues. In addition to fading of the blue velvet mentioned previously, there is a piece of celluloid missing from the top edge of the left door, above the young lady with a dove. There is one small crack in the celluloid near the right hinge on the back of the jewelry box. There are scuffs and small abrasions on the black covering on the back and bottom surfaces, as well. Black covering is missing from the perimeter of the bottom surface of the pull-out drawer. Notably, the latch for the front doors was at some time in the past bent, thus making it difficult to fully close the doors. Although we believe it could be gently bent back to a straight form by a skilled restoration specialist, we chose to leave it as is. The interior satin lining material appears to have been replaced at some time. Any such fabric dating from the actual Victorian Era on an item that was used would most likely be damaged. Holes in the satin material are visible, indicating where brooches or hat pins may have been attached for storage in the jewelry box. Included are two fabric pieces and two pieces of wood- one covered in the original sapphire blue velvet brocade. These were found in the drawer. If you choose the free local pick-up option, we will contact you to arrange a convenient date, time, and place. The item “1907 Jewelry Box Victorian Edwardian Antique Celluloid Velvet Christmas” is in sale since Monday, May 25, 2020. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Jewelry Boxes & Organizers\Jewelry Boxes”. The seller is “ffotomann” and is located in Clovis, California. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Era: Victorian, Edwardian
- Classification: Antique (over 100 years old)
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Material: Satin
- Brand: Unbranded
Comments are closed.