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A Pair of Charles II Dressing Table Boxes.
London, 1671 by Robert Smythier.
Diameter: 4 ¾”; Weight: 25 oz. 2 dwt.
With cast and applied openwork monogram EC.
These lovely and sophisticated boxes were once accompanied by a mirror and a pincushion--remnants of a now dispersed (or destroyed) toilet service, the term for the set of items used on a dressing table. Michael Clayton, in his definitive Dictionary, lists a set dated 1675 as one of the earliest, so this, of 1671, may in fact have been the earliest of them all. The unusual treatment of the monogram—bolted on as openwork—also occurs on a pair of wall sconces of the same period at Burghley House. Smythier was one of the great silversmiths of this period, and would have been likely to get a commission for a toilet service earlier than many of his contemporaries.
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The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
