A rigid detachable collar designed to be separately laundered, starched, and reused, allowing shirts to last longer. The shape suggests formal or semi-formal daywear, not wing collar evening dress.

circa 1908 – circa 1925

19th Century

Wood

Silk

Wood core with painted green exterior Gilt-painted raised scrollwork Printed color lithograph (classical/Edwardian female figure) Pink silk or satin interior lining Brass latch and hinge hardware

Description

A rectangular decorative box featuring a classical Edwardian woman in a flowing coral-pink gown, leaning against a stone balustrade — a very popular romantic motif in the 1910s. The exterior shows hand-applied gilt scroll decoration over a green painted surface. The interior is fitted with custom cylindrical and curved forms, consistent with collar, cravat, or neckwear storage. The pink silk lining and fitted inserts strongly suggest it was meant to protect starched detachable collars or possibly gentlemen’s formal accessories rather than jewelry. The wear, crazing, and surface loss are honest and appropriate for age — no red flags for modern reproduction.