Description:
WB152: High quality elegant Regency brass edged mahogany writing box by Hicks, Manufacturer, London, with countersunk brass handles opening to green baize (replacement) writing surface and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps one of which is separately locked. The box retains two original inkwells one with its original silver plated top. circa 1800. 

Origin: UK

Circa: 1800.

Materials: Mahogany with Brass.

Size: 30.5 cm by 24 cm by 11.5 cm: 12 inches by 9.4 inches by 4.5 inches.

Condition: very good overall Gentle patina working locks and keys, see images.

The box has a green baize (replacement) writing surface and compartments for pens and inkwells,

 There are  compartments for paper under the flaps one of which is separately locked. 

The box retains two original inkwells one with its original silver plated top

The box has the label:

"HICKS
Manufacturer.
26 Wigmore Street
Cavendish Square."

Hicks, J., Portable-desk and Dressing-case maker, 26 Wigmore Street, is recorded in the London "Post Office Annual Directory "of 1808.

The Post-Office Annual Directory for 1808. Being a list of upwards of 16,000 merchants, traders, &c. of London, and parts adjacent ... / by B.Critchett

The entry is on page 142.

I know of no other surviving example of Hicks work. He is not mentioned in Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840.

 The work is of very high quality. The brass is not only decorative but protects the edges. The wood is all quarter sawn for stability and the construction of the box is with full blind dovetails. the brass is held in place by brass pins which would be driven in at a slant.

The handle is countersunk in the military style of the period.

The lock is stamped with a "P" within an oval. It is similar to the lock on another box http://www.hygra.com/uk/wb2/wb130/ which also has the name of the locksmith.