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Description:
Ref: 669WB
http://hygra.com/box/669WB 

18th Century Solid mahogany writing box with side drawer Circa 1790
This is a solid mahogany writing box made in the characteristic late 18th century style, designed to withstand military campaigns and/or extensive traveling.

The box has drop down carrying handles on the two sides; these are the early form of handle. There is a side drawer which pulls out when a brass pin is pulled out when the box is in the open position. There is also a reading stand which is attached to the top surface when the box is held at an angle with the hinged brass catch. The surface under the top flap is mahogany. The box has two original inkwells (circa 1830).

There is an old baize covering on the writing surface which is the correct lining for such a box.
Working lock and key.

This box is very similar to that which was owned and used by Jane Austen. Jane's box is now in the British Library.

Origin: UK; Circa: 1790; Materials: Mahogany.

Size: 45.2 cm wide by 24.6 cm by 16.2 cm: 17.8 inches wide by 9.7 inches by 7 inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; Shallow scratches stains etc in keeping with the life story of the box. see images

Size: 55.5 cm wide by 27 cm by 15  cm:   inches wide by   inches by   inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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There is also a reading stand which is attached to the top surface when the box is held at an angle with the hinged brass catch.

The reading stand was very useful in a time when light was either from window or candle. A book could be arranged to maximize the available light.

The box enabled you to read and gather knowledge for longer.

Perhaps it inspired you to open it and start writing.

 

 

A

This is a picture of Jane Austin's box which is now in the British Library. .

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.

The box has a side drawer of dovetail construction for storing additional papers

The drawer is secured shut with the brass pin..

Dovetail joints:

The dovetail joint is one of the wonders of woodwork. In the full blind none of the careful work is visible. If the joint is simply mitered it will not survive atmospheric change. A mitered joint is end grain to end grain. The glue soaks in, becomes dry and brittle and falls apart.

The dovetail joint enables side grain to be glued to side grain. These joints would hold together without glue!

It is the true proof of these dovetail joints made by craftsmen 200 years ago that their joints are as they made them.

This image is courtesy of Fine Woodworking Techniques 1978 Taunton Press inc. ISBN: 0918804027

 

A corner.

In the sides of the box, the carpentry is clear. This is a double blind sometimes called a "full blind" dovetail joint.

Extract: Choosing and Making the right joints by Tage Frid.

 

This image is courtesy of Fine Woodworking Techniques 1978 Taunton Press inc. ISBN: 0918804027

You can order the Fine Woodworking Techniques from Amazon by clicking one of the links below:

Amazon.com USA	Amazon.uk UK	Amazon.can Canada
Amazon.fr France	Amazon.de Germany	Amazon.jp Japan

 

 

Under the writing surfaces there are places for storing papers. The reading stand when not in use is also stored here.

The side handles are external and not countersunk as in later boxes.

A bead has been let in around the drawer.