Art Deco White Onyx & Lapis Lazuli Desk Box - Merchant Navy Crown - Henry Griffith & Sons - c.1930 - 3367

Summary

An English Art Deco desk box constructed from polished white onyx with lapis lazuli borders and an applied 9ct gold Merchant Navy crown to the lid, the gilt metal piano hinge stamped H.G. & S. Made in England for Henry Griffith & Sons, circa 1930.

Description

The rectangular body is assembled from carefully matched panels of translucent white onyx, the natural banding and veining of the stone running through each face. A narrow lapis lazuli border frames the lid on all four sides and is echoed in a matching lapis knop set into the front edge in a gilt metal mount - the blue-grey of the stone providing a considered contrast against the pale ground.

To the centre of the lid, a detailed Merchant Navy crown device in tested 9ct gold (unmarked) is applied directly to the onyx surface. Comparable examples of this form are known with a variety of applied motifs, suggesting the decorative mount was selected at the point of original supply rather than being unique to this design.

The interior is left in polished unlined onyx - an indication that the box was intended as a quality desk or presentation piece rather than a conventional jewellery casket. The clean geometric proportions and restrained use of colour are characteristic of the better English Art Deco decorative work of the period.

The gilt metal piano hinge is stamped H.G. & S. Made in England, identifying Henry Griffith & Sons as the maker. The company supplied a wide range of quality presentation cases, desk accessories and fitted boxes during the early twentieth century, and this example is consistent with their Art Deco period production.

Condition

Good condition with normal age-related wear. Light surface marks consistent with careful use; no major scratches or heavy scuffs. Two small chips to the underside of the base - one towards the front, a slightly larger example to the reverse - neither affecting the appearance or functionality of the box. The hinge operates smoothly and the lid closes correctly.

Approximate Measurements

• Width: 12.6cm [4.96in]
• Height: 5.5cm [2.17in]
• Material: White onyx, lapis lazuli, 9ct gold and gilt metal
• Maker: Henry Griffith & Sons
• Marks: H.G. & S. Made in England (hinge)
• Applied motif: Tested 9ct gold Merchant Navy crown
• Date: circa 1930s
• Weight: 960 grams [33.86oz]

Stock Code: 3367 MY17-3

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