Description:
WB470: Writing box in saw cut veneered mahogany on oak.

This is a saw cut veneered mahogany box on an oak base. It is crossbanded with  a line of varied woods which is separated by boxwood stringing from another band of crossbanding in satinwood. 

The whole box is edged in boxwood and has oak facings to the bottom.

On the top there is an oval cartouche which is inlaid in a motif of oak leaves and acorns. The inlay is executed in maple darkened with sand scorching on a ground of naturally greened wood (probably holly attacked by fungus).

There is a side drawer which can be pulled out when the box is open and the securing brass pin is pulled out. The drawer does not extend the full length of the box.

Under the top flap, the last section lifts to reveal a secret compartment.

There are two reproduction screw top  inkwells.

Origin: UK

Circa: 1790

Size: 45.9 cm by 26.8 cm by 15.5 cm: 18.7 inches by 10.6 inches by 6.1 inches.

Condition: The writing surface is covered in blue velvet which is not original. There is a working lock and key.
Veneer repairs under drawer and back. Central ‘dipping’ on the top. Repair to leaf in inlay.  See images:

 

This box is of the same period as the writing box  to that which was owned and used by Jane Austin.  However Jane's box was without decorative inlay.

Jane Austen's Writing Box

In 1798 Jane and her writing box were briefly separated. Her letter written from the "Bull and George in Deptford to her sister Cassandra gives a good idea as to how important the writing box was to her.

 

See: 
There is  another  version  of  the late 18th century writing box with brass edging at: Hygra: Antique writing box Circa 1790 

A box similar to Jane Austen's is at: Hygra: Antique Solid mahogany writing box in typical late 18th century style c1790.

And another with inlay at: Hygra: Antique writing box Circa 1790.

Detail:

The top and front of the box are crossbanded with  a line of varied woods which is separated by boxwood stringing from another wider band of crossbanding in satinwood. 

The whole box is edged in boxwood .

The writing surface is covered in blue velvet which is not original.

The drawer does not extend the full length of the box.

Under the top flap, the last section lifts out to reveal a secret compartment.

 

There are two reproduction screw top  inkwells.

Under the writing surfaces there are compartments for storing papers.

On the top there is an oval cartouche which is inlaid in a motif of oak leaves and acorns. The inlay is executed in maple darkened with sand scorching on a ground of naturally greened wood (probably holly attacked by fungus).

The top and front of the box ares crossbanded with  a line of varied woods which is separated by boxwood stringing from another wider band of crossbanding in satinwood. 

The whole box is edged in boxwood

In the late 18th century the carrying handles are are external.

The whole box is edged in boxwood and has oak facings to the bottom.