Summary:
• Item: Mandalay Chest
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Wood: Teak
• Item: Mandalay / Dowry / Traveling Chest
• Provenance: Burma
• Offered as a gift to a loved one
• Profuse brass inlay strap work
• Original removable internal hinged trays
• Original internal mirror
• Original internal carved trays
• Brass carrying handles
• Original chiming locking mechanism
• Original working lock (with key)
• Later brass carrying handles
• Small narrow external drawer
• Lovely colour
• Very rare item
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• 14-day free UK returns policy
Description:
This is a rare antique Victorian Anglo Burmese colonial campaign teak & brass Mandalay / traveling chest, circa 1880, in excellent working condition. Most likely offered as a Dowry present to a loved one as part of a marriage ceremony. The chest would have primarily been used for storage or when travelling of treasured items. The box is profusely inset with brass strap work and brass string floral inlay to the to and front. It also boasts two brass-locking clasps to the front of the box. The sides of the box features replacement brass carrying handles. This Mandalay box boasts a very rare chiming locking mechanism lock, along with the original key. The purpose of the chiming lock was that the owner, or nearby persons, would be able to hear if someone was trying to un-lock the box and steal its contents! When the key is turned, an audible bell rings several times. The box opens to reveal several carved teak compartments, for storage of precious items together with a removable central well, which reveals further storage space and secret compartments underneath. To the underside of the lid there features the original mirror. Flanking the mirror, are dried flowers, possibly given by a loved one, are still enclosed within these sealed clear compartments, on the original blue wallpaper. An intricate carved ruby red painted wooden frame flanks the mirror. The outside of the box incorporates a deep narrow drawer, with original working lock and key and original flush brass handle.
This item would look great in a variety of rooms; especially the bedroom or office. It’s ideal for storing small valuable items, makeup, documents, jewellery or any other possessions.
Condition Report:
This is a rare antique Victorian Anglo Burmese colonial campaign teak & brass Mandalay / traveling chest, circa 1880, in excellent working condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. The box has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop, to a professional standard. Therefore, it boasts a gorgeous colour and patination, with lovely grain configuration. The hinges are in good working order and the lid closes flush to the box. A working key turns the chiming locking mechanism (which still works) to lock/open the box. The carrying handles have been replaced at some point in the past with old solid brass drop handles. As the box contains the original mirror, some foxing is present. There is ware to the inside of the original floral decoration (see photos) and original blue wallpaper on the underside of the box lid. The box / traveling chest is complete with the original tray inserts and original encased flowers. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 40.5cm or 16” or 1ft 4”
Width = 71.5cm or 28⅛” or 2ft 4⅛”
Depth = 37.5cm or 14¾” or 1ft 2¾”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 52707