Whaling Captain Richard Luce of Vineyard Haven gave this mahogany and rosewood box to his daughter, Abby. She probably used it to hold her jewelry or other precious small possessions. Her initials, A.B.L., are on the lid and the surface is inlaid on all sides with whimsical birds, horses, and plants cut from thin pieces of shell and exotic woods. The tiny drawer handles are ivory and the feet are carved from whale bone.