Box with walnut oyster veneer; England; 1670-1700

Box, walnut oyster-piece veneer with decoration in marquetry of boxwood, holly, green stained wood and other woods. Rectangular form lined inside with red cloth of late date. Hinged lid, decorated against an oyster piece ground with an oval panel of floral marquetry and the end sides each with a similar panel. Green baize on the base. Rear side plain. Lock and key.

Given by Miss L. M. Davies and Miss W. M. Davies

Walnut & marquetry box, gift of The Misses Davies, 15 College Close, Harrow Weald

Notes from R.P. 53/1451

Listed on Gift Form
as "1 inlaid wood box & key - walnut & marquetry c.1680".

Draft letter from Davies
offers the museum "a very fine olive wood inlaid box in our family for many years. The box floral (….) panels inlaid all round & on the lid - Formerly it was a gentleman's dressing case but the fittings have been removed. My (F…) bought it at a sale of the effects of Rev. Mudge, rector of Brampford Spire in Devonshire". The letter refers to a famous lawsuit; connection of box to lawsuit is unclear.

This draft letter came to Leigh Ashton at the V & A through Rev. Cuthbertson.

Report, Thorpe
detailing the provenance appears to have been misplaced by the Transit Room and is not in the R.P. file.

W.36:2-1953