English 19th century rosewood campaign writing box circa 1825

English early 19^th century brass mounted campaign writing box by Hicks of London, circa 1825

This superb and superior quality campaign writing box is beautifully made by the top London Manufacturer Hicks 26 Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square between 1809 and 1837.

This fine example has flush fitting inlaid corner and edge supports which complement the rich mellow colour of the dense rosewood veneer from which the box is made.

The top and front have matched shaped brass name and escutcheon plates and the sides have sunken folding carrying handles for ease of movement.

This writing box has a more complicated design than most with its double action opening. It unlocks with a steel key and the top lifts to an upright position held by sturdy brass stop hinges. It is fitted with a burgundy red and green leather expanding wallet for papers and storage. The middle section is fitted with an upper tooled burgundy leather surface which also has an adjustable lectern fitment which when fitted in place will hold a book for reading and can be adjusted in its gradient with the use of the hinged brass lever and matching ratchet fitment.

This middle section then folds over to produce the full writing slope which is also lined in tooled burgundy leather. The superb interior has an abundance of flush fittings, brass catches, hinges, corner supports escutcheon plates, locks and leavers etc.

At the top, there is a fitted section where there is a place for ink with the original glass bottle and brass cap, a pen and pencil section with a lift out tray lid also a small square section with a fitted brass inlaid lid and matching knob.

The final part is of a similar size with a sloping base for retrieving small items.

The leather surfaces hinge and lift with storage underneath. The upper one also contains the secret bank of three drawers which is accessed by using the small steel rod which has a brass ball top for grip. 

By removing the ink bottle and lifting the corner of the blue velvet below reveals a small hole with a shiny brass peg which when pressed with the steel rod releases a spring loaded panel with the hidden drawers behind.

This is a remarkably complicated box that has good features and is in excellent condition by a top London maker with the original paper maker's label for provenance. 

Dimensions: 

When closed Height 17cm x width 41cm x depth 26cm

When open    Height 39cm x width 41cm x depth 50cm