Escutcheons

Escutcheons are usually shaped plates, often made from brass, that can either surround a keyhole or be inlaid into the top of the lid. Not only were they used as a form of decoration, they were sometimes also personalised by engraving them with the owner’s names, crests or initials.

Central brass escutcheon, fretworked and engraved with a foliate and scrollwork design, from a French antique jewellery box in ebony by Alphonse Giroux & Cie, Paris.

Central brass escutcheon, fretworked and engraved with a foliate and scrollwork design, from a French antique jewellery box in ebony by Alphonse Giroux & Cie, Paris.

French Antique Jewellery Box in Ebony with Brass Inlay by Alphonse Giroux & Cie, Paris.

French Antique Jewellery Box in Ebony with Brass Inlay by Alphonse Giroux & Cie, Paris.

Decorative brass escutcheon from a French mahogany jewellery box.

Decorative brass escutcheon from a French mahogany jewellery box.

French Mahogany Antique Jewellery Box with Brass Inlay.

French Mahogany Antique Jewellery Box with Brass Inlay.

Brass escutcheon bearing the engraved name 'Lady Shelley' from a mahogany antique jewellery box.

Brass escutcheon bearing the engraved name ‘Lady Shelley’ from a mahogany antique jewellery box.

Mahogany Antique Box with Brass Edging.

Mahogany Antique Box with Brass Edging.

Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Cantilever Mechanism.

Antique Jewellery Box in Coromandel with Cantilever Mechanism.