Antique 1850s Brass Desk Organizer with Carved Cameo Shells - Victorian Stationery Box, Vintage casket

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An exceptional stationary or letterbox, mid 19th century maybe a bit earlier. Wonderful and skillful metalwork, brass is highly detailed in scrolls and floral design, insert used to be finished in burnt orange or might be red velvet, now it is in a very poor state but could be easily replaced if desired, but I think an all original state is far more valuable. The cameos that adorn the box demand their own description. The enormous main cameo, situated at the very top of the lid, features an intricate and detailed carving of a hunting scene. The cameo is not just beautiful but very expressive, you feel the intensity of the chase, the excitement the hunter and dogs feel and the fear of a deer desperately running for his life! The cameo has a crack at the top and a small nick; it was previously fixed and reinforced from the inside, and it is currently in no danger. This does not distract from the overall beauty of this rarest piece.
The box has four other cameos, smaller in size but of the same extraordinary quality.
The one on the left side depicts a Cupid riding a Lion ( it means Love conquers all), the two cameos on the front are devoted to the Greek Goddess Athena in a chariot and an Angel walking with a Lion and an Eagle. That cameo may refer to three Evangelists, where Angel is Matthew, Lion is Mark, and Eagle is John. The Christian symbolism originates from Egyptian, Greek, and Assyrian mythology, dating back to the 5th century A.D. when it first appeared in Christian Art.
The last cameo on the right side of the box shows a serene, pastoral image of a Noble family resting under a tree. All smaller cameos are of the same supreme quality as the large ones. A fantastic collection of cameos is in one spot!

The box used to have a key but it is long gone, it does close tightly but can not be locked.

Condition: very good all original condition, the exterior is very good, but of course, shows wear corresponding with the age and use, but very sturdy and will last forever, the interior is in very poor but keep in mind it is between 130 to 150 years old and the fabric is not built to last that long. Please refer to the pictures as they are an integral part of the description. I do have more if interested, please email me.

Size: box W 10" x H 6.5" x D 5"
Large cameo: W 4" x 3 1/2"
Small cameos: W 1 1/2" x H 1 1/2" (oval), please note all sizes are approximate due to the irregular shape of objects.

These boxes are so hard to come across as they are kept in families for generations and the majority of them are either in private or museum collections.


Please refer to the pictures, as they are integral to the description. Shipping is free and includes a tracking number.

** Import taxes/duties, customs duties are the Buyer's responsibility. As of August 29th, new tariffs are applied to the majority of goods imported into the USA. At this moment, I stop shipping to the USA. At a later date, this policy might change.**

Please note that I do not accept returns. However, feel free to contact me if you encounter any issues with your purchase.

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