Coromandel vanity box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe with silver gilt fittings and fitted interior, mid nineteenth century example linked to the Royal Household and Queen Victoria.
ABOUT
Coromandel vanity box of Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe, of rectangular form with brass bound edges and a fitted interior, dating to the mid nineteenth century.
The exterior is veneered in Coromandel with brass edging, the lid inlaid with a crowned monogram ELC for Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe (née Campbell), Countess of Desart and Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria between 1845 and 1864. The quality of the materials and the presence of the coronet immediately establish the piece within an aristocratic and courtly context.
The interior of the lid is lined in green velvet, embroidered with a Countess coronet and monogram. Set behind is a removable freestanding mirror with a gilt frame, concealing a leather letter case lined in silk. The interior back edge bears the stamp of Ortner and Houle of St James, London, Royal Warrant holders and engravers to Queen Victoria.
The case contains a comprehensive fitted arrangement of fifteen hand cut glass travelling containers, housed within a velvet lined interior. Each is mounted with silver gilt lids surmounted by solid gold Countess coronet and initials. The silver gilt lids are hallmarked for Tween and Purnell, 1866.
The front folds down to reveal an accoutrements panel containing a further eighteen tools, including a needle case, scissors, corkscrew and a pair of rulers, one in mother of pearl and the other in sterling silver. When opened fully, the side sections extend outward, allowing access to concealed compartments beneath the fitted trays. These include a hand mirror, glove stretcher and shoehorn.
A drawer positioned above the front panel contains brushes and a letter opener, released by pressing the engraved plate to the interior back edge. The lock plate is by Chubb & Son, Royal Warrant holders, and is stamped with registration number 488065.
This vanity box represents the combined work of several specialist makers, brought together in a single commission of high quality and complexity. The direct ownership by Lady Elizabeth Lucy Cuffe, together with her position within the Royal Household, firmly places the piece within the circle of Queen Victoria’s court. We are confident the vanity box was commissioned by Queen Victoria for Lady Cuffe, either as a presentation piece marking her service or possibly as a personal gift.
DETAILS
Stock Number:
168706
Dimensions:
Width: 38.5
Depth: 28
Height: 28
Place of origin:
England, UK
Date of manufacture:
Circa 1866
Seller:
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