Description:
WB170: Burr walnut writing box with rounded ebony edging brass inlaid lines opening to an embossed leather covered writing surface with compartments for storing paper under. There are also places for pens and ink bottles. Circa 1860.

Origin: UK

Circa: 1860.

Size:  45.5 cm by 24.5 cm by 14 cm: 17.9 inches by 9.8 inches by 5.5 inches.

Condition:  Good overall, working lock and key. See images.

The writing tablet retains is original embossed leather surface.

The facings and mitered surround of the writing surface are in dark richly colored coromandel which contrasts with the golden highly figured walnut of the outside.  The gold embossing depicts a classical Greek key pattern. 

The box is edged with a binding in ebony. Two inlaid lines of brass are framing the top and front.

 The strap hinges are wider than those used in earlier boxes. There is a brass lined groove let into the flap surrounds to accommodate the wider hinge when the flaps are open.

Under the flaps there are places to store papers.  

 The escutcheon is brass. There is a further inlaid line of brass surrounding. 

 The box has a pair of reproduction inkwells with screw tops. The bottles are blown. There are cut facets in the shoulders. 

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

 There are places for paper storage under the writing surfaces.