Antique jewellery box

I nipped to my local charity shop for a bit of a nose around - I had to go to the chemist for some medication in any event and the Charity shop is before the Chemists.  One of the helpers in there R**** has been closely associated with high class furniture shops and the like and being a store Manager.  Has a keen eye for the auctions and for private clearances and he does what he can to raise funds for the Charity.  He is a lovely chap of pure heart and I always have a laugh and a joke with him when he is in the shop.

Whilst he was in today he was preparing stuff for outting out and he called me over to show me his latest find which I fell in love with.  It was something that I have been looking for for a while an antique 100+ year old jewellery box.  It is quite a decent size is inlaid with brass fretwork shield panel at the centre of which is inlaid mother of pearl.  I have been advised to give it a good clean up with some beeswax.  It is also inlaid with two different woods one of which is Walnut. The upholstery is a little tatty with use but R**** has advised me to leave it as is to leave it honest as otherwise it could devalue it.  He said 5 years ago a box in this condition was fetching £300+. It has two hidden sections one a small box in the base  and the other in the lid.  It contains a mirror and a letter pouch ideal for billets doux (love letters). Below the lining the leather is in pristine condition and would appear never to have been used.  Indeed the previous owner did not even know about the compartment. I am chuffed to bits with it.  It has been well used and loved and will be ideal to put some of my jewellery bits and pieces in. R**** seemed pleased it was coming to me and to a good appreciative home.

I shall also pop some lavender in to clear the energies before I start to use it.  However I feel very lucky to have such another lovely piece for my home.  I have for a while wanted to start a collection of second hand jewellery just a piece here and there that need not cost the earth but some nice pieces and I think this will make the perfect home for such a collection.  I will have to see what I can find on my travels.

I already have my Great Maiden Aunts green silk lined sewing table.  That needs a bit of a buff up too.  I love older antique style furniture my great aunt had an awful lot of it and I used to stay with her a lot.  I think thats where I got my good eye from and I certainly grew up with respect and care for such items.  I think they add so much character to a home.  Even my dining room dressers which are pine and were bought new and they are now 40 years of age.

Here are the photographs as is before a little Tlc is shown.  I dont think it looks bad as it is but I want it to look smashing with the wood all polished up and shining from a little beeswax and elbow grease.

I just love it.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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