A British Royal Navy Officer's Toleware Helmet Box by Gieves...

Hammer

£35

A British Royal Navy Officer's Toleware Helmet Box by Gieves, Named to J. H. Joughin R. N. A British Royal Navy Officer's Toleware Helmet Box by Gieves, named to J. H. Joughin R. N., dating to the early 20th century. This conical-topped, cylindrical hat box is constructed from painted or lacquered metal, featuring a distressed black finish with a reddish-brown faux tortoiseshell or scumbled pattern. A brass shield-shaped plaque on the lid prominently displays "GIEVES" beneath a detailed crest featuring lions rampant and the British royal mottos "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE" and "DIEU ET MON DROIT." Faint gold lettering on the lid indicates the owner as "J. H. JOUGHIN R. N." The exterior bears several heavily degraded paper labels, partially legible, referencing a "STAR LINE" "STEAMER," as well as "OFFICE LUGGAGE" from "REGENTS ST" and "LONDON," suggesting its use as a travel case from a British outfitter. The interior is lacquered reddish-brown and contains a curved support.