Fine 18th-century George III Period Mahogany Marquetry Knife Box

A very fine late 18th-century George III period mahogany knife box or cutlery canteen with a fitted interior. It features a figured sloping lid over a serpentine front with satinwood crossbanding and rosewood & ebony chevron stringing. The box has a fascinating shield form, with the canted lid opening smoothly on shield-shaped hinges. Inside, the original cutlery dividers are intact. It includes a silver lock escutcheon, with key and working lock. This beautiful inlaid knife box dates from circa 1790.