Sewing box 

jewelry-boxes

tea caddies

Anglo-Indian

Chinese- export

penwork

Tunbridgeware

papier-mâché

Snuff boxes 

terms

Advanced Search

contents

Description:
Ref: 673WB
http://www.hygra.com/box/673WB 
Brass bound and accented figured rosewood writing box opening to a  tapering  embossed leather  (replacement) covered writing surface with compartments for paper beneath and having secret drawers  hidden behind a sprung panel as well as places for pens and inkwells. Circa 1815. The box has a working lock and key.

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1815  ; Materials: Rosewood and brass on a mahogany structure.

Size: 50.1 cm wide by 24.8 cm by 15.8 cm: 19.7  inches wide by 9.8  inches by  7.8 inches.

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

Request current  list of available sewing boxes with prices.
Request current  list of available writing boxes with prices.
Request current  list of available jewelry boxes with prices.
Request current  list of available tea caddies with prices.

boxes@hygra.com

The surrounding as well as the decorative brass is of a substantial gauge compared to later Victorian boxes and it performs a dual function of protecting and enhancing the box.

 

 The box is almost certainly from the same workshop as http://www.hygra.com/e/rwb.htm 

The brass edging is held in place by small brass pins driven in at an angle. 

The embossed green writing surface is a replacement.

 The screw top inkwells are made in the traditional manner with cut facets to the shoulders.

The box has spaces for everything needed for writing. There is a rounded pen tray and compartments for inkwells. The panel is sprung and has three secret drawers hidden behind. 

 The panel  is released by removing the inkwell and pressing the base of the wood as shown.

The catch which holds and releases the panel can be seen to the right of the drawer.

A

The drawers are mahogany faced with rosewood with small turned bone handles.

 The flaps are made in the traditional way  of three pieces of mahogany joined with a tongue and groove. 

The box has side handles in the military style. The handles fold flush with the surface of the box when not in use.

 The underside retains much of its original hessian. Some green baize has been added  so as to avoid scratching furniture on which the box is placed