19th Century Trinity House Inlaid Rosewood Sewing Box, circa 1870

Delicate marquetry inlay does not survive well in the damp environments of lighthouses and ships, so these highly prized Trinity House boxes are typically found in pretty rough condition with usually substantial breaks and loss. This box in contrast is in relatively fantastic condition, with only a small amount of buckles and warp to some inlay, and scant loss around the perimeter. It remains in strong, stable condition, and is a particularly attractive and fine example of this scarce marine Folk Art.

Measures: 6 in H x 13 in L by 10 in W

The Trinity House Corporation, formally known as “The Master Wardens and Assistants of the Guild Fraternity or Brotherhood of the most glorious and undivided Trinity and of St Clement in the Parish of Deptford Strond in the County of Kent”, was founded in by royal charter in 1514 and remains the official authority for lighthouses and navigational aids in the United Kingdom.