Artifacts made by British Lighthouse Keepers were marketed directly to the sailing captains and owners of the ships they aided. Fine inlaid woodwork is a telltale attribute of their learned craft, with parquetry and marquetry examples in existence. The Trinity House Box, for letter writing, sewing, and tea storage are very desired, as well as the uniquely stylized tables and ship models members of the service built.

The great majority of these unusual and sought after nautical artifacts were made by locals in the Caribbean Islands as trade and sale items for the visiting mariners of the world. This dual set is a very good example of the delicate geometry and precision work they required to show as finished presentation. The 'Valentine' designation comes with the aside that they were often purchased as gifts for loved ones back in home ports.

The dual shellwork valentine in this instance is housed in its original wooden octagonal frame set that is hinged to allow it to close together or hang on the wall.

More information to follow.

Replaced shelf inside. Crushed blue velvet lined.

Trinity House was the name for the light house service in Great Britain. These exquisite boxes were made circa 1850- 1880 by the keepers of the lighthouses and lightships while they were on station. They are delicately inlaid with several types of wood and usually feature accurate pictures of vessels from the period. They were marketed directly to the sailing captains and owners of the ships they aided. Fine inlaid woodwork is a telltale attribute of their learned craft, with parquetry and marquetry examples in existence. The Trinity House Box, for letter writing, sewing, and tea storage are very desired.

More information to follow.

Painted background with lighthouse, seagulls, sailboats and a sidewheel steamer.