Fine Inlaid Box with Inlaid Eagle on the Top, American, Circa 1873. Inside the box there are two pieces of paper. One paper states “This work is inlaid with 3,402 pieces of various woods. Made by G. Kiesile”. The second states “Charles Kiesele (New Haven) for the Vienna International Exhibition 1873. The box was titled Ladies dressing and sewing case. The primary wood covering all of surfaces of the box and looks like a swirling grain walnut. The top and all four sides have a dark and light elaborate diamond shape marquetry like border. Each corner on the top has a circular design with 32 contrasting tiny inlays. Each of the corners on the sides of the box have light and dark inlaid compass roses. The top of the box has a large inlaid eagle with spread wings turned head with beak. The eagle’s talons are holding a multicolored inlaid American shield which has a curved banner extending right and left. The box has light colored ball feet. The front of the box has a shield shaped silver escutcheon with working key and lock. The box has silver hinges and when opened exposes the triangle shaped border inlays that goes around the perimeter of the inside of the top and box top. The inside of the lid has a rosewood frame that holds the mirror. Inside the box is a removable tray with four lidded compartments made from the same wood as the top and the reverse side of these lids have a birds-eye maple surface as does the sides of the tray. The inside of tray compartments and the box interior are lined with purple velvet. (FA1169)
Condition: Excellent
Dimensions: Height 4 ½”, Width 10 ½”, Depth 7”
