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Antique brass and ebony  bound mahogany writing box with Bramah type lock secret drawers and rare false bottom circa 1840

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Description:
Ref: 664WB http://www.hygra.com/box/664WB 
Brass bound and inlaid writing box with flame mahogany inlaid with further brass The box is fitted with a Bramah type lock. The top and front panels of mahogany are framed with alternating brass and ebony. Inside the box opens to a replacement gold embossed writing surface edged with rosewood. The curved pentray and and facings are also rosewood. Beneath the pentray and compartments for ink there is a nest of four secret drawers. The concealing sprung panel is released by pressing on the side of one of the dividers. I have marked the place to press with a yellow dot.. The box  also has a rare sprung false bottom. This can be released when the secret drawer panel has been removed.  Circa 1840

Origin: UK ;  Circa:1840 ; Materials: Mahogany ebony brass and rosewood.

Size: 50.3 cm wide by 26 cm by 10.9 cm: 19.8  inches wide by  10.2  inches by  4.3  inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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Brass bound and inlaid writing box with  Enlarge Picture

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The lock -plate is  faintly stamped "BRAMAH" and  "PATENT" and with a crown marking.  The lock and its working key are. clearly made to the Bramah specification but is unusual in that the escutcheon is flush with veneer surface.

See:

http://www.hygra.com/locks/Bramah/index.htm

Opening Antique Bramah Box Locks

 

 There is a brass plate inlaid in the center of the top.

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Inside the box opens to a replacement gold embossed writing surface edged with rosewood. The curved pentray and and facings are also rosewood.

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Please click on images to enlarge |  slide show  | thumbnail index |

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Beneath the pentray and compartments for ink there is a nest of four secret drawers. The concealing sprung panel is released by pressing on the side of one of the dividers. I have marked the place to press with a yellow dot.

The box comes with two reproduction screw-top inkwells.

The secret drawers have turned ebony pulls

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Beneath the pentray and compartments for ink there is a nest of four secret drawers. The concealing sprung panel is released by pressing on the side of one of the dividers. I have marked the place to press with a yellow dot..

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 The sprung false bottom can be released when the secret drawer panel has been removed
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The box has flush  brass carrying handels.

 

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There is a further compartment for paper under the other flap.

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2012 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us at copyright@hygra.com