Hygra: Antique Rosewood writing Box with pewter inlay circa 1825 by Turnbull's of Cheltenham

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Antique Rosewood writing Box with pewter inlay circa 1825 by Turnbull's of Cheltenham

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Description:
Ref: 870WB http://hygra.com/box/870WB

Rosewood writing box with fluid inlay in pewter depicting floral motifs. The box is labeled "Turnbull's Exchange, 389 High St. Cheltenham." The box opens to a sloping velvet covered writing surface with compartments for ink and pens. There are places for storing paper beneath.

Origin: UK, labeled Turnbull's Cheltenham; Circa: 1825; Materials: rosewood pewter .

Size: 40 cm wide by 23 cm by 12.5 cm: 15.7 inches wide by 9.1 inches by 4.9 inches.

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

Keywords: Hygra.com, Antique box, writing box, traveling desk, pewter inlay, Turnbull's Cheltenham, 1825, rosewood,

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Detail of the inlay in the top. The inlay is executed with vigor and precision.

The maker is probably the maker of: http://www.hygra.com/wb/wbrwbrstfl.htm

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The writing surface is covered with faded velvet.

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The box has two screw top reproduction inkwells.

The pen tray is inlaid with pewter.

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There are places for storing papers under the writing surface flaps.

The interior wood is unfinished. There is a retailer/makers label on the underside of the flap.

The box is labeled with a picture of the exterior of the shop:

"Turnbull's Exchange

389 High Street

Cheltenham."

A search of the internet produced an image of the interior of Turnbull's shop from 1824.

Writing Desks, Travelling, Dressing & Jewel Cases, Work Boxes, &c &c
Bibles, Prayer Books, Stationery &c &c

http://www.rareoldprints.com/p/5089

The flaps are constructed with tongue and groove joins.

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There is a rounded bead run into the facings

The rosewood has an attractive figure.

It contrasts dramatically with the pewter inlay.

The fluid pewter inlay is in a running pattern depicting floral motifs.

The use of pewter in the inlay is unusual.

Inlay in early 19th C boxes was generally brass. About 1830 many makers were using mother of pearl.

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Detail: Countersunk brass handles which are fixed with iron screws.

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2015 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

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