Ladies table compendium

This good quality ladies table compendium houses a number functions that a lady would need during the day. Under the hinged lid is a sewing box with compartments for all her sewing tools with a fold out compartment for paper patterns. Below the sewing tray is a drawer lined with silvered paper for other sewing or general items. The next drawer down features two storage trays to accomodate her jewellery, and at the bottom is a pull out writing slope with provision for ink, pens and paper. The front doors are veneered with coromandel and inlaid with a very intricate design using abalone shell, mother-of-pearl and gilt brass. The lid features similar decoration, whilst the ebonised body is left undecorated. On either side of the body are two turned, ebonised handles. It stands 350 mm high (13.75 inches), is 318 mm (12.5 inches) wide and measures 242 mm (9.5 inches) in depth. The jewellery drawer looks like it has never been used, with the fabric and the gilt tooled leather in lovely condition. There are slight signs of use to the sewing compartment and to the felt on the writing slope but overall it is in wonderful condition. C 1850.