Gourd-shaped Silver Box, 1839

This is a very unusual silver box modelled as a gourd and made by the premier silversmith Charles Fox.

Dating from the early Victorian period, this box is superbly made with a pumpkin form and nobbled outer skin. It has a bayonet fitting to open up and split the fruit in two revealing a gilt interior. There is a good-fitting clear glass liner which may or may not be original as we are not entirely sure what the original purpose of the box would be for! Without the glass liner it would be ideal for holding trinkets, with liner perhaps for salt or mustard (ideas welcome!). The condition is excellent throughout.