A George IV Dressing Case By J. Corfield
A George IV Dressing Case By J. Corfield
A George IV Dressing Case By J. Corfield
The case is constructed in a finely figured rosewood, with inset brass handles, and fine brass arabesque inlay. The hinged lid bearing the initials “S.A.V” rises to reveal in the upper section, a drop down document holder with embossed maker’s label and a removable mirror to the back; the silver pieces comprise a suite of five cut glass jars, and various other accoutrements including a toothbrush holder and makeup vials, the lift out platform with storage below; a lockable velvet-lined drawer is situated below the bramah lock escutcheon. The sterling silver bearing the marks for John & Archibald Douglas and dated 1825. The box bearing the retailer’s label of John Corfield.
Circa 1825.
H: 7.5 in / 18 cm | W: 14 in / 34.5 cm | D: 10.5 in / 26.5 cm
Price: £POA.
J. Corfield (late Elvey)
John Corfield, based at 10 Mount Street, Grosvenor Sq., London, was a documented writing desk and dressing case maker in the first half of the nineteenth century, and was the self-described “real manufacturer to the royal family,” according to his embossed label found on the lid of the present box.
Literature:
Gilbert, Christopher. Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840. Leeds: Maney, 1996, p. 151 (fig. 227) for a similar box bearing the same label, sold Sotheby’s 1991.
Gilbert, Christopher, and Geoffrey Beard. Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840. London: Furniture History Society, 1986, p. 199.