Royal Naval Trench Art Box

A fine example dating to WWI and far superior to most examples we have seen. Beautifully constructed from polished mahogany, it is in the form of a heart with hinged lid and a finely carved Naval crest, surmounted by a king's Crown. Inserted within the lifebelt motif is a black and white period photograph of an unnamed naval officer. We assume the item was presented by him to his wife or girlfriend and was subsequently used to store cosmetics as the aroma still lingers within! It measures 9" (23 cm)