Ladies travelling compendium box / presented to Miss Crook in 1845

R 957

series

1845 (dated from presentation)

Graphic Materials, Objects

404970

Objects - 1 rectangular wooden [oak] box with mother-of-pearl inlay at centre of hinged lid, red velvet and red morocco lining, four glass jars stored inside, and mother-of pearl keyhole (loose). The base consists of two separate sections of wood, each with a green velvet rectangular protective strip. - 16.1 x 30.3 x 21.9 cm.

Attached to the underside of the lid and held in place by a metal clasp is a writing slope, consisting of a velvet base and red morocco leather folded pocket for storage of paper. The main part of the box is divided into four sections or compartments. Two of the compartments have cut-glass bottles with ground glass stoppers (one is damaged), and one has a lid and wooden block with metal piece stored loose. Above the larger compartment is a jewellery tray with seven sections, four of which have velvet lids and three of these have mother-of-pearl buttons for lifting. There is a "secret" drawer at the right hand side of the box that is accessible by removing a brass pin on the right side of the box. Also stored in the box are two circular cut-glass jars with metal lids.

The box has been dated from the time of presentation rather than manufacture as it is difficult to discern when the item was made.
As well as bearing some damage and wear, the box is incomplete with the key and some lids to the compartments missing.
According to information provided by the donor, Miss Crook's Christian name was Martha and she later married to become Hogg.

Handwritten black text on inlay on lid, "Presented to / Miss Crook / by the Teachers of / The Congregational Sunday Schools / Sydney, 25th.. July 1845"