An advertisement placed by John Hodson, furnishing ironmonger, &c., &c. of 62 King Street, Manchester in The Manchester Courier (13 January 1838, p. 1b) mentions among his stock ‘a Magnificent and Valuable TORTOISESHELL CABINET, Elaborately inlaid with Mother-o’-Pearl, and fitted up in the most complete manner.’ There can be little doubt that this object was similar to the example in this present lot. A few days later in the same newspaper (27 January 1838, p. 3c) there appeared a more detailed description of Mr. Hodgson’s cabinet: ‘It is of the pagoda form, supported by four elegant pillars, of the same material as that of which the body is constructed. . . . The roof, on being raised, presents a compartment for the deposition of articles of needle-work, writing-paper, or any other light material. At the bottom is a drawer for the same purpose. Between these are a lady’s writing desk, tastefully fitted up . . . two secret drawers for private memoranda, three others for letters, &c., two for rings, brooches, and other valuables, and one for money and jewels. . . . Its external appearance is splendid in the extreme, the fabric being wholly of real tortoise-shell, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, in richly fancy flowers and devices. The panels of the doors are remarkably beautiful. We cannot but recommend all who have not yet seen this most splendid trifle, to pay Mr. Hodgson an immediate visit. . . .’