Accession Number

2017.001.005 a&b

Alternate Name

[BLANK]

Description

Round sterling silver dresser box with detachable lid. The lid is repouseed and chased in a floral pattern and inscribed “MC” (for Mary Croft). The base of the box is marked “STERLING.” The back of the lid and interior of the box are gilded.

Narrative

This sterling silver dresser box was owned and used by Mary Jean Dunsmuir at her Esquimalt house named Mt. Adelaide. Bearing her monogram, “MC” for Mary Croft, her married name, the box probably sat on her dressing table and contained body powder. It was added to the museum’s collection to aid in the presentation of the Dunsmuir family story at Craigdarroch.

History of Use

This sterling silver dresser box was owned and used by Mary Jean Dunsmuir in Chemainus, B.C. until she moved to her Esquimalt house named Mt. Adelaide in 1891. She used it there until her death in 1928, at which point it was inherited by her sister’s son, Dunsmuir descendant John William Bryden (1869-1953) and his wife Ellen Gertrude Tarbell (1882-1964). They used it at their waterfront house in Royston, Vancouver Island, near Cumberland and Courtenay. It was then inherited by their son Gerald Robert Bryden (1913-1992) of Royston and then by Gerald Bryden’s daughter in Campbell River, from whom it was acquired by The Castle Society.

Date

circa 1885

Material

Metal, silver, sterling

Technique

Embossed; Repoussed

Inscription

MC [Mary Croft]