Matson Jewelry Casket Value Guide

The Matson Jewelry Casket is a quintessential piece of mid-century American luxury, designed to emulate 18th-century French opulence. These oval footed boxes are highly collectible for their intricate ormolu filigree and heavy gold-plated brass construction that defined the 1950s dressing table aesthetic.

What affects the value of Matson Jewelry Casket?

• Condition of the ormolu plating; pieces with minimal tarnishing or 'pitting' command the full $110 market value.
• Clarity and integrity of the beveled glass, as chips or deep scratches significantly reduce the item's desirability.
• The presence and cleanliness of the original velvet lining, which is often prone to wear or staining over time.
• Structural integrity of the ornate feet and the hinge mechanism, ensuring the lid sits flush against the filigree frame.

How to Identify Matson Jewelry Casket?

• Look for the 'Matson' or 'Matson Mfg. Co.' stamp usually located on the interior metal frame or the underside of the feet.
• Verify the presence of thick, beveled amber glass which was a signature feature of this specific model.
• Check for the characteristic heavy gold-plated ormolu finish over a brass base, featuring detailed floral or scrollwork filigree.
• Confirm the interior is lined with the original velvet, often color-coordinated with the amber glass lid.

History of Matson Jewelry Casket

Matson was a prominent American manufacturer during the mid-20th century, specializing in luxury vanity accessories. Their pieces were often heavily gold-plated using the ormolu technique and were designed to emulate the opulence of French 18th-century decorative arts. These boxes were essential fixtures on a lady's dressing table during the 1950s and 1960s.