Dressing box

Date1750-1775

Possibly by Thomas Landall

Possibly by John Gordon

OriginEngland

MediumMahogany, ebony, glass, and brass

DimensionsOH: 8 1/2"; OW: 18"; OD: 14"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-583

DescriptionAppearance: Rectangular box with flat, domed lid with cove molded sides; top hinged to box at rear; box has straight sides, grooved at each corner and terminating in lamb's tongue; pair of brass, bail handles, one at each side; molded base supported on four ogee bracket feet; elaborate etched brass keyhole escutcheon inlaid at front center with concealed keyhole cover which is released by pushing button beneath center, front molding; interior of lid fitted with rectangular looking glass held in place by molded frame; box equipped with variety of fitted compartments, those at each corner covered with rectangular sliding lids with brass ring pulls; slotted center section; spaces for glass inkwell and sander at front; right side of case pulls upward to reveal full length drawer beneath interior compartments.

Woods: mahogany throughout except for the ebony molding on the box covers.
InscribedIllegible chalk inscriptions on the underside of the full-length secret drawer (does not appear to be old).