From the same estate come two American, late 19th century matching Victorian celluloid boxes; typical of that era, they are highly decorated. The top of the jewelry box shows a pretty young lady; incorporating a floral motif with pink roses and a wreath like frame around the subject on a black background. Multiple cream colored stars complete the decor. The lady is very elegantly dressed with a powder blue dress and a well figured floral violet bonnet on her nicely groomed long brown hair. Raised brown medallions decorate three sides; in the front is a horizontal floral wreath along with the original brass escutcheon and hasp.
The glove box is similarly decorated with the same young lady; she is wearing pearls and a blue bonnet. The escutcheon mounts are still affixed to the box albeit the connecting hasp is lacking.
The boxes are very attractive and were obviously meant for a lady; the long rectangular glove box would have been on a dresser to store and protect gloves for formal wear, popular in the late 1800’s; while the other box probably would have been used for jewelry, and also would be seen atop a dresser. Application of celluloid to surfaces started in England mid 19th century and was popularized and used quite prolifically in America at the turn of the century when several patents expanded production domestically.
These boxes were acquired personally from the George Cross Collection of fine Victorian Western and Saloon items in 2005, prior to his liquidation estate.
The condition of both boxes is very good with some minor losses to the celluloid here and there at the corners (see images) albeit solid, strong, and secure; The locking clasp is lacking on the glove box (see image). The main draw of the boxes is the bright colors and the striking clarity of the images and decoration applied to the surfaces. These are very usable and wonderful decorative, utility items.
I am perfectly willing to sell separately if someone yearns for one box but not the other. I just thought it would be nice if they stayed together since they compliment each other and have never been apart.
Dimensions: glove box: 13 5/8″ long x 4 1/2″ deep x 3″ high
jewelry box: 7 1/2″ wide x 7 1/2″ deep x 3″ high
shipping dimensions: 13 5/8″ long x 7 1/2″ deep x 6″ high