These first three images provide close-up detail to show the exceptional quality and craftsmanship evident in all of Gene's boxes.

This form of inlay is known as a 'compound Inlay' and consists of several layers of timber sandwiched together to provide decorative detail. In this case Satinwood, Ebony and Purpleheart timbers have been used.

Shown too is the chamfering treatment to the edges and corners, as well as the perfect fit and finish of his inlays.

This image shows the use of triangular timber strips above and below the hinges to act as an unobtrusive stay holding the lid open at 90 degrees. 

This system obviates the need for stays to be fitted inside the box.

Pictured here is a close-up of the brass hinges and screws, and the corner splines.  Notice how all the screw slots line up neatly and that the hinge and screw heads have been polished and are free of any marks.  Achieving this involves fitting the hinge first with steel screws of the same size and then replacing them with the softer brass screws allowing them to be screwed home without damaging the slot of the screw.

Also visible are the decorative corner splines which greatly enhance the strength of the joint by increasing significantly the number of timber faces being glued. 

These seemingly simple touches are just a few of the hallmarks of a master craftsman.

Cufflink/Earring Box.

In rare wormy Yellow Tingle.

Wooden hinges.

Removable tray.

Hand marbled paper lid liner.

Deep yellow-gold Thai shot silk box and tray liner.

140 x 110 x 70 mm.

Immediately available.  You will be purchasing the box pictured.

AU$165.00

YELLOW TINGLE TIMBER

Yellow Tingle (Eucalyptus guilfoylei) has a limited natural occurrence around the Deep and Frankland Rivers west of Albany, Western Australia, growing on slopes and ridges of undulating to hilly country.  It occurs as scattered trees associated with other eucalypts, such as Karri (E. diversicolor) and Marri (Corymbia calophylla).  The best growth of yellow tingle is on deep red loamy soils originating from basalts and dolerites.

This species of timber is rarely commercially available as it generally occurs in areas that are now in conservation reserves.  The timber used in these boxes was obtained from a private collection that had been in storage for around 50 years !

HAND MARBLED PAPER

The hand marbled paper is made by Joan Ajala who lives in northern NSW.     Joan’s individual papers are used extensively by professional and hobby  bookbinders in Australia and the USA.  Her marbled cards are sold in Australian galleries and bookshops.  You will find extensive information and images relating to this fascinating craft on Joan's web page at:   www.marbledpaper.com.au

WOODEN HINGES

The wooden hinge used on some of these boxes was invented/developed around 1780 by James Sandy who lived in Alyth, Perthshire Scotland and was used in boxes produced by Charles Stiven who set up a business in Laurencekirk, which was about twenty miles North East of Alyth.  By 1790-1810 Stiven had adopted the use of this particular hinge to such an extent, that any box fitted with it, whether made by him or not, was described as a Laurencekirk box.

In the examples of boxes now in museums and private collections, the hinges still function well after more than 200 years.

Pictured above is a close-up of the wooden hinges used by Gene in most of the boxes on this page.

If required, they should only ever be lubricated with furniture quality paste wax.

255 X 155 X 70

Immediately available.  You will be purchasing the box pictured.

AU$290.00

Personal Effects/Desk Box in White Oak.  Sunburst pattern to lid.

Fitted with hand marbled paper to inner lid and Deep Yellow Gold Thai shot silk lining to box.

Wooden hinge.

255 x 155 x 70

Immediately available.  You will be purchasing the box pictured.

AU$290.00

Personal Effects/Desk Box in White Oak.  Sunburst pattern to lid. 

Fitted with hand marbled paper to inner lid and Burgundy Thai shot silk lining to box.  Wooden hinge.