Antique, 19th century, Napoleonic, personalised straw work box with two drawers

This is a somewhat rare survivor from this period given the circumstances under which it was made

In detail we have the following:

- the top bears the initials I and R: undoubtedly the initials of the maker of this box. There are some losses to the straw work on the lid and some original green paint in evidence

- the decoration on the right hand side of the box consists of three concentric diamonds

- the back consists of a chequerboard design. The squares are c. 7mm square

- the straw work is missing on the left hand side (but may never have been present as there is no certainty that this box was finished). The original green paint is visible

- the base shows the pine which forms the substrate of this item

- there are two drawers. Each of the faces of the drawers contain some green paint. The two knobs on each drawer appear to be original to the piece

- there is a mock escutcheon on the top drawer. This is a mock escutcheon as there is no evidence that a lock was ever fitted. This is not surprising since it is difficult to imagine a prisoner of war obtaining a lock. The escutcheon is attached via two original hand wrought nails

- there is a cut-out on the underside of the lid to replicate what would have been there if a lock had been fitted

- the top drawer contains a tack at the back. This represents a historic repair and was used to attach a small piece of wood used to replace the corner of the drawer that at some time had become damaged. The wood has long since gone. I could have inserted a new piece of wood (which would have been less than 1centimetre square) but have chosen not to do this in order to retain the integrity of this item 

- this item is very much in original condition  with only a minor repair to one of the feet being in evidence. There are losses and wear throughout this item, but it is a charming piece evocative of a troubled time in our history

Postage is just to within the UK mainland. Delivery will be via UPS

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date