C. 1795 Straw-work Miniature Domed Box with Newspaper Lining, Signed J. Breckenridge face doorknob " It shows plenty of

" It shows plenty of wear and  losses

messages written in secret code

with the tiniest interior egg very tiny indeed

It is not often that I buy a piece by a known artist

Plus a fantastic surface to the old

C. 1795 Straw-work Miniature Domed Box with Newspaper Lining, Signed J. Breckenridge face doorknob " It shows plenty ofI have never paid very much attention to straw work, also called straw marquetry, but this miniature dome topped straw work box, lined with newspaper dating it to c. 1795, has converted me! Examples of this sort are most often referred to as Napoleonic prisoner of war work, as most pieces available today were made in England in prisoner of war camps and prison ships between 1793 and 1815 making this an early one. Drawing on traditions practiced in