Antique Drinks and Games Compendium with Silver Mounts in Amboyna

Description An antique drinks and games compendium veneered in striking Amboyna and fitted with sterling silver mounts, dating to the Edwardian period and hallmarked for 1904. The compendium is formed with a square body raised upon a stepped plinth base and finished with a gently domed lid. The exterior is beautifully veneered throughout in golden Amboyna, a highly unusual timber choice for this form and one rarely encountered on comparable examples. The surface is framed with sterling silver mounts and strapping, providing both structural reinforcement and decorative contrast against the richly figured veneer. Opening the compendium reveals a mirrored interior fitted to accommodate three cut crystal decanters positioned within a partitioned framework. Each decanter retains a faceted stopper and ribbed body, designed for serving spirits within a domestic or club setting. The silver mounts are fully hallmarked sterling by F.J.P with the date letter e for 1904. The upper section incorporates partitions for six rounded shot glasses alongside a larger compartment intended for gaming counters or cigars depending upon use. Beneath this arrangement sits one of the more inventive features of the box. A concealed push button positioned discreetly to the rear, directly in front of the central decanter, activates a spring loaded mechanism releasing a hidden drawer to the front. Inside the drawer are six packs of unopened Asprey playing cards, each still preserved within their original packaging, positioned before a cribbage board veneered to match the Amboyna exterior. The integration of drinks service and gaming accessories reflects the popularity of multifunctional entertaining pieces produced during the early twentieth century. Combining silver mounted construction, mechanical ingenuity and the uncommon use of Amboyna veneer, this Edwardian drinks and games compendium represents a particularly well preserved example of a specialised entertaining box from the period. View the full Games Box Collection. View the full Barware Collection. Amboyna Amboyna, also known as Andaman Padauk, Maiou or Narra grows in parts of East Asia (Malaysia, the Philippines and Borneo) and is often golden brown to red brown in colour with red grain. It is a firm wood with wavy and often interlocking grain making it difficult to work with hand tools, despite this it turns well and produces a high polish.The Burr from these trees varies in colour from a golden yellow to a deep red with sharp, close burr pips. It is very sought after and used for only the finest furniture. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Amboyna. Sterling Silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925. Compendium A compendium is a curated collection of related items housed within a single purpose made case. These sets often bring together accessories for personal use or leisure such as games, decanters, writing tools or cigar storage arranged in an organised and accessible way. More than a simple container, a compendium is valued for the thoughtful way it combines multiple items into one cohesive piece. Often seen as status symbols throughout previous eras, compendiums come in a range of exotic and rare materials making them desirable to collectors, entertainers and interior designers alike. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.