Code: 718912
Dimensions:
This fine quality English gentleman’s campaign or travelling writing box is of top quality and of an unusual design. It is made from a rare exotic hardwood which has a mellow colour and a dark figured grain. The box is beautifully made with flush fitting brass corners and edge supports and is further enhanced with bands of decorative brass stringing. The top has a finely fretted and inlaid shaped brass name plate and the front is fitted with a most unusual lock escutcheon plate which is decoratively cast and has the lock makers name Thompsons Patent upon it. The sides have sunken military style brass carrying handles one of which is also used to open the large side drawer. This rare box opens in two stages first the top lifts to reveal a superb original interior which is fitted with two glass ink bottles with silver plated tops, in addition there are three lidded container for the writers accessories such as pen holders, pencils, quills, seals and sealing wax etc. The lid is fitted with a hinged and superbly gilt tooled original leather filing wallet which also has little leather flaps which are printed with days of the week for storing reminders and notes etc. Below, the leather surface is tooled to match. This section then hinges over to reveal the full writing slope which again has its original tooled leather. Each half can be lifted to access the storage areas below. There is a removable panel on the upper one which covers three secret drawers. This is a fine English box which is in very original condition and has a very pleasing mellow colour and rich patina. Circa 1830
