Object Description
This is a very rage antique Victorian colonial teak Mandalay campaign box, possibly used by the British Raj or military in Burma, circa 1880.
Summary:
• Item: Mandalay Box
• Circa: 1860
• Provenance: Burma
• Period: Mid Victorian
• Wood: Teak
• Offered as a gift to a loved one
• Used as a travelling box
• Decorative brass inlay & strapping to exterior
• Floral shaped brass marquetry to the lid and front
• Stained wood decoration depicting elephants
• Oval shaped stained wood keyhole surround
• Original brass hinges
• Internal rectangular mirror
• 7 Internal compartments (5 hinged lids)
• Original chiming locking mechanism (with key)
• 2 internal secret compartments
• Original polish & patination
• Excellent original condition
• Very rare item
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Description:
This is a very rage antique Victorian colonial teak Mandalay campaign box, possibly used by the British Raj or military in Burma, circa 1880. It would also be useful as a travelling box, used for writing, storing jewellery etc. The exterior of the box lid is decorated with brass string inlay, arranged in a simple, straight perimeter with corners decorated with curves and dots. The inner perimeter consists of a twin line of brass string inlay incorporating straight lines with scroll ends. The centre of the lid is adorned with a depiction of a pair of stained wood elephants, placed either side of a tree. Below this is a string inlay inscription: “M.D.Y. BOX.” The front of the Mandalay box boasts profuse, intricate, dotted swirling patterns of brass string inlay. The box also incorporates brass corner straps to all outer sides. This Mandalay box boasts a very rare chiming locking mechanism lock (with key), along with the original key. The purpose of the chiming lock was that the owner, or nearby persons, would be able to hear if thieves were trying to un-lock the box and steal its contents! When the key is turned, an audible bell rings several times. The box opens to reveal and intricately detailed, carved lid interior in floral and circular patterns. The lid interior also features faux flower decoration and a central rectangular mirror. The interior boasts seven compartments, including five with hinged, carved lids. The centre-right compartment contains a hook with can be used for storing the key, if desired. The far-right compartment includes a hidden feature: the floor can be slid open to reveal an eighth, hidden compartment – ideal for the storage of jewellery or other small valuables. The central square of five compartments also lifts out to unveil a ninth compartment.
This box is a beautiful and truly classic example from the late Victorian period in colonial Burma and is highly decorative and unique. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition but also in original condition.
The box features a mellow teak colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms from the office to the bedroom. This item would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it’s extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely antique piece.
Dimensions:
Height = 24.8cm or 9¾”
Width = 55.5cm or 21⅞” or 1ft 9⅞”
Depth = 34.2cm or 13½” or 1ft 1½”
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands. If you live in one of the areas where we do not offer free delivery, please contact us for a delivery quote before purchasing the item. Delivery will be made by our specialised antique furniture delivery service, or in some cases we will use a courier service for distant deliveries.
Delivery times are usually 1-4 weeks depending on location; we aim to deliver the majority of items within 2 weeks. All items are professionally packaged and fully insured in transit, therefore, we can assure you, your items will be securely protected in transit and arrive safely with you.
Once you have purchased an item, we will contact you by email and/or telephone and provide you with a provisional delivery date, in order for you to confirm if it is suitable for you. Once you have confirmed you can accept delivery on the provisional delivery date, we will book the delivery in with our shippers and it then becomes a confirmed delivery date.
We will also provide you with our shippers’ contact details, in case you need to contact the driver on the day of delivery. It’s helpful if you can provide us with both the landline and mobile telephone number, in case the driver cannot reach you on one of the numbers on the day of delivery, they can contact you on your alternative number.
In order to be able to offer you free delivery, it is based on a 1-man delivery only. For any large items that require 2 people to lift the item, we ask that you are available at the time of delivery to be able to give our shipper a lift off the van and into your house with the item. If you are not able to lift items yourself, we ask that you have someone on hand at the time of delivery to assist our shipper with lifting the item.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee). You will be given a full refund as long as the item is returned in the same condition. We will collect returns using our own specialist furniture delivery company. We will not accept returns via a courier service (due to experience of damaged items in transit). This refund policy only applies to deliveries to the UK.
UK Buyer Payment:
For UK buyers, we accept cash on collection or delivery; cheque, credit card, BACS (free bank to bank transfer) or PayPal. Payment is requested within 5 days of the sale. Payment must be cleared before the items are collected or delivered.
International Buyers:
If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time. The shipping quote provided is a global estimate only. The actual shipping cost will vary by country and postcode. Due to the distances and costs involved with shipping outside the UK, a returns policy is therefore not available for international buyers. Before placing your order(s) please make sure this is the item for you. We request payment by bank transfer (we do not accept payment via PayPal, credit or debit cards for international purchases). Payment is requested within 10 days of the purchase. Payment must be cleared before the items are collected or delivered to our shippers. The advertised price of the item does not include the shipping cost, sales tax, import duty or custom fees.
Important information regarding PayPal payment:
We only accept payment from fully verified PayPal account holders with confirmed addresses only. Items will only be sent to the confirmed address registered in PayPal. If you purchase an item and your address is not confirmed, your payment will be refunded and the purchase cancelled. It only takes a few moments to verify and confirm your PayPal details.
About the Seller:
This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA (the UK’s largest Trade Association of Professional Art and Antique Dealers) and CINOA. CINOA is the world association of Art & Antique dealer associations. All LAPADA & CINOA members abide by their strict code of practice by adhering to reputable standards of quality, expertise and integrity.
Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 40 years. Yola Gray has a special interest in Colonial furniture, specifically Colonial Four Poster Beds. Yola Gray also provides a variety of fine English Antique Furniture, Art and Fabrics to clients in the UK, Europe and further afield.
Please visit the Yola Gray website at www.yolagray.com for further items and information.
Ref. Box 25