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Description:
Ref: 667WB http://hygra.com/box/667WB 
Fine Regency brass bound writing box in highly figured rosewood with further brass inlay in the manner of the Royal cabinet-maker George Bullock, with counter sunk side carrying  handles, Bramah type lock with key, secret drawers,  and further large side drawer. The box retains its original gold embossed leather writing surface, inkwell and pounce pot, circa 1820.

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1820; Materials: Rosewood on mahogany dovetail construction with brass.

Size: 40.6 cm wide by 25.7 cm by 17 cm:  16  inches wide by   10.1 inches by  6.7  inches.

Condition: good overall; working locks and keys; see images

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This is a box which combines severity with elegance. The thick saw-cut veneers of the rosewood are selected for the rich figure of the wood which is contrasted with the brass inlay.

The whole structure is bound in brass which emphasizes the straight lines of the box and also acts as protection, uniting the useful with the aesthetic.

The design is controlled in deference to the Georgian neo-classical tradition but it also embraces the Regency influence of the Royal cabinet maker George Bullock, who introduced naturalistic elements to the earlier austere brass designs.

The plate in the center if the top is engraved "D. Green to J. Gaithery, 1827"

The lock is Bramah type and stamped with Bramahs and patent and three crowns.

See:

http://www.hygra.com/locks/Bramah/index.htm

Opening Antique Bramah Box Locks

the box has two keys. The second one is for the flap

 

The gold embossing of the leather writing surface is particularly elaborate.

The box retains an original period inkwell and pounce-pot.

To release the panel hiding the secret drawers, the inkwell is removed. Then the wall is squeezed between the middle finger and thumb.

The green dot marks where the pressure to release the catch is applied. 

From about the 1820's the inside is sometimes finished with shellac (French polish) 

Here the box is propped half open (see mechanism below) and is used with the book rest which is kept in the upper part of the box when not in use.

The box has side handles in the military style. The handles fold flush with the surface of the box when not in use.

The pin which retains the side drawer is concealed by the reading stand support.

The drawer is  dovetail construction..

 

The figure of the rosewood on the top is amazing. Depending on your mood the image is of so many possible descriptions.

Is it a landscape? 

The width of a piece of rosewood has always been an issue. It is one of the most dimensionally stable of woods; even when the grain is as wild as this.

 

The box retains its original 19th c finish. There are some marks consistent with age.

The quality of workmanship is exceptional:

Edged in brass secured by little brass nails driven in at an angle.

A single further brass line inlaid in

Detail:  The integrating of the inlay and the side carrying handles. This is the front of the side drawer

The box has two keys for its working locks. The Bramah type key is for the main lock the other for the flap.

 There is felt on the underside. This protects the surface of furniture on which the box is placed.

The corrugated brass line is the top part of the book stand position prop mechanism. Different angles of opening can be achieved by using different grooves.

The flap is constructed with a tongue and grouve joint.

 The main box is constructed with dovetail joins. The mahogany is veneered with thick 1mm veneers of figured rosewood.