Elizabeth I Nonsuch desk box

Elizabeth I oak and marquetry desk box of tiny proportions. Inlaid with holly and bog oak and stained woods. The sloping lid decorated with an arrangement of bands of chequer ornament, with a central plaque inlaid with bone, holly and bog oak. The front decorated with two eight pointed stars within borders of chequer inlay. The sides and back are inlaid with designs of buildings in the style of Nonsuch Palace. The interior with two drawers with original paint decoration and lidded box with chequer inlay, with original tinned ironwork hinges and locking device. Last two pictures are the example in the V&A. Similar examples: Victoria and Albert Museum: W.4:1,2-1911 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: No.SBT 2001-5 Rare collector's piece.