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 a marquetry inlaid paterae on top, satinwood crossbanding, and rosewood & ebony chevron stringing. The box is of a fascinating shield form, with the canted lid opening smoothly on shield-shaped hinges. Inside, it retains its original cutlery dividers. It includes a silver lock escutcheon, with key and working lock. This beautiful inlaid knife box dates from circa 1790.

Height: 37 cm (14.6 in), Width: 23 cm (9.1 in), Depth: 30 cm (11.8 in)