396
An English tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, ivory and rosewood table necessaire, probably Birmingham, circa 1835
the tortoiseshell surfaces richly inlaid with flower sprays in mother of pearl, rectangular, on four carved ivory bun-shaped supports, a column in each corner, the two doors at the front opening to reveal a removable writing desk with folding surface, pen depression and two inkpots, two small horizontal draws fitted for finger rings, two small vertical draws, another larger drawer, a further sliding draw fitted with the following die-stamped silver or silver-mounted items: a spool-shaped thread waxer, a thimble with motto: 'THO ABSENT EVER DEAR,' a steel pen knife, a pair of steel scissors and sheath, a needle case and cover, a mother of pearl awl and a pin cushion, also two thread winders (one Cantonese mother of pearl), and four balls of cream-coloured cotton thread labelled 'BROOK'S PATENT 30,' a small door at the centre veneered in tortoisehell pressed with a gothic arched doorway, the top with hinged lid, the interiors lined in dark green velvet and ink silk
ivory, tortoiseshell, rosewood, silver
36.5cm., 14 3/8in. high; 41.5cm., 16 1/4in, wide; 29.5cm., 11 1/2in. deep
Estimate
4,000
—
6,000
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