Description:
WB154: Antique figured rosewood writing box with rounded edges, and countersunk brass carrying handles, finely inlaid to the top  with mother of pearl   depicting stylized curved foliage and birds, opening to an embossed leather (replacement) writing surface and compartments for writing implements and paper, and having a further side drawer for paper.  The box retains two original inkwells with silver plated tops. Circa 1840

Origin: UK

Circa: 1840

Size: 45.3 cm by 24.6 cm by 15.5 cm: 17.8 inches by 9.7 inches by 6.1 inches.

Condition: Good overall with working lock and key. See photographs. 

Detail of the central mother of pearl inlay to the top; The birds have details picked out with engraving.

The box opens to an embossed leather (replacement) writing surface and compartments for writing implements and paper. 

 The box has a side drawer for storing papers secured by a brass pin through the facing.

 Detail: The replacement  leather writing surface is framed  mitered rosewood facings.  

The box has a side drawer for storing papers secured by a brass pin through the facing.

 The drawer is constructed with dovetails The marking line left by the crafts person who made the drawer are still visible. The thickness of the rosewood facing and veneering are clearly visible.

The box retains two original inkwells

 A note stuck to the back of one of the flaps seems to be a reminder of when to take medicine. 

 The lock is stamped "patent" It is a one lever ward lock. The patent being referred to is a version of Barons innovation to made to the ward lock in 1778. 

 The border inlays are in separate elements and depict stylized birds and foliage. The mother of pearl is engraved to achieve further realism. The little beady eye of the bird is a delight.

 The front is decorated with mother of pearl circles and white metal lines.