Charles Frederick Eaton jewelry casket, Santa Barbara CA circa 1904. This exceptionally rare and well preserved box is crafted of cedar wood, covered in suede & leather, then outlined in hammered copper trimmings which are set with over 75 abalone pieces. The working push button latch opens to reveal a suede interior. The right side wall secretly lifts upward to reveal a spring loaded hidden tray that pulls out from the lower half of the box. This form was illustrated in several publications during the period including The Craftsman Magazine (when Gustav Stickley toured California and visited Eaton) in 1904 and House & Garden in 1906, it was also exhibited as part of his stand in the 1904 St. Louis Universal Exposition. Overall excellent condition, some rivets replaced on one back hinge. Unsigned, old museum sticker on bottom. Measures 8.75” wide, 6” deep and 7” tall without handle. $12,000
