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Federal Work Box

Style of Boston/Salem, Circa 1800
Limited Edition

 

 

"From the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the cornerstones of our democracy, to a refined, distinctly American taste, the Federal period truly embodies the American spirit."

Lorren L. Hammond, from an interview for HGTV's
"The White House Christmas"

 

 The Story of the original Federal Work Box:

In 1999 the First Family asked nationally recognized designer/craftsman Lorren L. Hammond to create an historic piece to celebrate our nation's heritage during the last Christmas of the millennium. He chose to make an historically-accurate Federal style Work (sewing) box . The box's design incorporates the exquisite shapes, motifs and exotic woods that were popular during the Federal Period (1780-1830).

Mr. Hammond's box received tremendous accolades when it was presented. He was invited to a special reception at the White House, was interviewed for numerous TV, radio, and newspaper stories, and Mr. Hammond and the box were featured in a national Home and Garden Television special. Newspapers nationally picked up the story from the AP wire. The box was also featured in numerous issues of Early American Life magazine and other print media.

Mr. Hammond feels that is essential to preserve the uniqueness of the box he created for the permanent White House Collection. Due to the overwhelming number of calls and requests, however, he has decided to offer an adaptation of this celebrated piece as a jewelry box, in a Limited Edition.

 

The Federal Work Box design has been adapted inside to a velvet-lined jewelry box.

It is being made only in a signed and numbered Limited Edition.

Each of these American masterpieces requires nearly 1300 individual pieces of wood to make! The carcass is solid mahogany, inlaid with plum-pudding mahogany, satinwood and ebony. The top veneer forms the classic Federal paterae (oval fan shape) motif, centering a hand-made inlaid shell of birds-eye maple, holly and other woods. Some of the shell parts have edges shaded in hot sand as the shell is cut together. This is an obscure 18th century technique Mr. Hammond has mastered which makes a perfectly flat inlay appear three-dimensional. A hand-made ebony and holly "rope" inlay binds the edges of the box.

The hinged lid is secured with a Period lock and key. Inside, a sectioned tray lifts to reveal a lower well; both are lined with velvet. The box is lightly hand-planed and finished with our golden shellacs and lacquer. The whole is then hand-rubbed to a burnished, glowing perfection.

The box can be used as a jewelry, sewing or dressing box, or just displayed; it is quite striking. Each will be signed, dated and numbered on an attached label of authenticity. We will gladly personalize the label with names and sentiments for you. Some delightful little hand-planed shavings of the "rope" inlay, created during the making of the box, are included with each. The box is approx. 8 1/2" wide x 12" long x 3 3/4" tall.
 

Ordering:

Only 250 of these boxes will ever be made. Each box is $1,195.00, US shipping included.

Production of these limited editions are scheduled as orders are received. Because of its quality, rarity, and the intense media coverage that this box has received, demand is high. Once #250 is reached, they will never be made again. Reserve your box now.

 

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The inlaid shell

 
The "rope" inlay

 

Velvet-lined tray

 

Lined lower well and label on tray

 

Box in progress with hand-planed rope inlay shavings


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