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For sale is a beautiful, authentic 19th-century Victorian Tunbridge Ware wooden glove box, featuring striking geometric parquetry band inlays. Crafted from richly toned wood (likely walnut or rosewood), this box showcases the intricate chevron and zig-zag mosaic borders characteristic of traditional English Tunbridge craftsmanship. The lid and front lock panel are accented with elegant, diamond-shaped specimen wood cartouches.
Fascinatingly, the bottom preserves excellent historical provenance. It features a faint 19th-century pencil signature identifying the original owner as "Lilian Holmes." A later mid-20th-century family masking tape label reads "Papers of Lilian Holmes Smedley - Mothers," with a black sewing thread caught beneath the tape—a poetic nod to its likely original life as a lady's personal box before it was repurposed to hold family documents.
CONDITION:
In good antique condition with a gorgeous, deep patina. Shows typical signs of age, including minor edge chipping, light surface wear, and slight lifting/fissures along the rear edge of the parquetry veneer (see photos). The interior retains its original Victorian geometric floral-and-diamond tile patterned paper lining, which shows authentic age spotting/staining but remains structurally sound. No key included.
The base retains its original protective brown paper backing, which is partially torn away on one side, exposing the softwood core underneath.
Please review all photos closely for exact condition details. Sold as-is.
DIMENSIONS:
10" L x 6.5" W x 4.5" H
Keywords:
Tunbridge Ware, Victorian Glove Box, Antique Wood Box, Inlaid Marquetry, Parquetry Treen, 19th Century Box, English Antique, Glove Box Vintage, Jewelry Keeper, Specimen Wood, Lilian Holmes, Walnut Vanity Box
