Absolutely gorgeous & large antique Victorian era hand carved jewelry or sewing box, a magnificent decorative chest with ornate figural carvings around the sides, bird & foliage ornamented top and "1873" carved in rear base! Another beautiful antique box, I must admit that these fabulous old decorative and table boxes have always been a love of mine and we have quite an extensive collection available online so be sure to browse some while you're with us. This one quite unique, entirely hand carved in solid wood (no veneers here). The front very impressive with scrolled flowers, foliage & vines flanking a marvelous horn blowing figure. The sides the same minus the figure :). The rear panel very similar to the front but, instead of the figure at the center, there is an acanthus accented harp or stringed instrument. The top with recessed carvings of leaves on the vine, the front and rear canted or beveled panels with song or love birds in the center. The flat top is inscribed "Carolina Fritschi", also carved into the solid wood panel. The interior needs lining, it's just plain wood and would likely have had partitions in the base (as evidenced by the marks on the inside of the base) and also probably a lift-out tray for sewing accoutrement or with jewelry fittings. In any event, it's simply magnificent visually and a marvelous decorative piece.
Very good condition. As noted, the interior could be lined in a fabric of your choice or left as is. The hinges have been replaced but with similarly aged ones salvaged from another box. The original lock is intact but the lid portion is missing the pin. There is also a chipped portion to the left front edge of the lid, seen in the images. Some slight bug/worm holes in the rear panel and base but nothing active. See pictures for measurements.
