Fine 19th Century Trinity House Marquetry Inlaid Burlwood Sewing Box, circa 1870

Fine 19th Century Trinity House Marquetry Inlaid Burlwood Sewing Box, circa 1870, made by a Trinity House Lighthouse Keeper or sailor aboard a Lightship for sale to passing ships. The box features a marquetry inlaid clipper ship flying a British ensign and ship’s flag inscribed “Martin,” with a second ship and a schooner sailing off a coast with windmills, the ebony hulls and satinwood sails standing out against the olive wood sea and sky, within a cross-banded reserve on the lid; having additional inlaid ships and schooners on the front and one side, the other side having a side-wheel steamship, and the back with a plain bird’s eye maple panel.

The interior is fitted with a velvet pincushion and various cuddies both open or covered by burlwood inlaid lids with petite ivory finials; the tray lifts out to reveal a paper-lined storage compartment. The bottom of the box retains its original felt covering.

Delicate marquetry inlay does not survive well in the damp environments of lighthouses and ships, so these highly prized Trinity House boxes are typically found in pretty rough condition with usually substantial breaks and loss. This box in contrast is in relatively fantastic condition, with minor cracks across the inlay, and only scant loss to the inlay here and there. It remains in strong, stable condition, and is a particularly attractive and fine example of this scarce marine folk art.

Measures: 5-1/2 in H x 14 in L by 9 in W

The Trinity House Corporation, formally known as “The Master Wardens and Assistants of the Guild Fraternity or Brotherhood of the most glorious and undivided Trinity and of St Clement in the Parish of Deptford Strond in the County of Kent”, was founded in by royal charter in 1514 and remains the official authority for lighthouses and navigational aids in the United Kingdom.