Victorian Burr Walnut Sewing Box with Brass Handle, Circa 1860
Victorian Burr Walnut Sewing Box with Brass Handle, Circa 1860
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This is one of the better examples of a mid-Victorian sewing box I have come across in a while, and the reason is the veneer. The burled walnut on the lid and sides has an exceptional figure, with strong flame and eye patterning that you rarely see this pronounced on a box of this scale. The form is classic high Victorian: a rectangular casket on bun feet with a stepped molded base, the lid fitted with a distinctive flat pivoting brass bar handle that spans the two-panel lid surface and folds flat when not in use. Inside, the original deep crimson silk covers every surface in a tufted and buttoned pattern, with contrasting turquoise gimp trim along all edges, and the inner lid panel opens separately on its hinge to reveal the full storage well beneath. The exterior is entirely original and unrestored.
The box is in honest antique condition with wear appropriate to its age. The exterior burled walnut veneer is largely intact and retains excellent color and figure throughout. There is a crack running across the lid surface, visible across both panels, which is stable and does not affect the structural integrity of the lid. The sides and base show general surface wear, light scratches, and minor age-related marks consistent with 160-plus years of use. All four bun feet are present; some show cracking but there are no losses. The brass hardware is original and present throughout: the flat pivoting handle, hinges, and keyhole escutcheon are all in place and functional.
The interior is where the honest wear lives. The original crimson silk lining survives across all surfaces but shows significant deterioration. The tufted pads are torn and fraying in multiple areas, with fabric collapse and losses to the silk particularly on the inner lid pad. The turquoise gimp trim is partially detached at several points. The structure beneath the lining is sound. A buyer who wishes to reline the interior will find the carcass in good condition for that work. The exterior presents beautifully and makes the box fully displayable as found.
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Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
Age-appropriate wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of previous use or repair are inherent to antique and vintage items and are not considered defects. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique and are often what give it its beauty and value.
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