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Antique Brass edged and accented figured Rosewood Writing Box with secret drawers and side drawer Circa 1820

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Reference:  WB483

Description:
WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820

Origin: UK

Circa: 1820

Materials:

Size: 35.5 cm by 24 cm by 16.5 cm: inches by inches by inches.

Condition: Very good overall. See pictures and comments;  replacement skiver; working locks and keys. 

 

 WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820 Enlarge  picture 

 

 WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820 Enlarge  picture

The main lock  is Bramah and slightly later than the box. Bramah locks were more secure than other box locks. I think this lock dates to about 1835.

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WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box
            with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed
            leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and
            inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There 
            are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a
            sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right
            inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is <a href=

 

 

 The box opens to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells

One of the flaps has its own lock.

There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

 WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820 Enlarge  picture

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 The box also has a side drawer for papers. This is secured by inserting a brass pin in the facing. 

 WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820 Enlarge  picture

 

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 Detail of the corner: the writing surface is edged with rosewood

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There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

 

There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

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There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment. 

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Enlarge Picture

The box has two inkwells. The one on the right is about the same date as the box. The inkwell on the left is a modern reproduction.

 

 Detail of the brass inlay which in turn is inlaid with rosewood. This was a style of inlay used by the better London cabinet makers in the early 19th C. to decorate boxes. 

The work is of very high quality. The brass is not only decorative but protects the edges.  The brass is held in place by brass pins which would be driven in at a slant.

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 The figuring of the rosewood used for the top is exceptional.
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The brass plate in the center of the top is particularly elaborate. 

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Request current  list of available writing boxes.

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2010 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us at copyright@hygra.com