Description:
This is a large box which combines severity with elegance. The thick saw-cut veneers of the kingwood are arranged to form a pattern utilizing the rich figure of the wood. 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 brass pattern of undulating flora is skillfully designed and executed. This is particularly well demonstrated in the corners, where the design looks as if it springs from the formal motif which is redolent of the classical palmette. 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. This box stands in the pivotal position which looks forwards to the naturalistic decoration of the Victorian era, without loosing the elegance and dignity of the Georgian period.

Origin: United Kingdom London.

Circa: 1820

Materials: Kingwood mahogany brass velvet and embossed leather 

Size: 40.2cm wide by 26.5 by 11.5 high: 15.8 inches wide by 10.4 inches by 4.5 inches high.

Condition: overall very good working lock and key. The king wood has faded to a wonderful patina.  There is some restoration to the brass of the top. please see below.

 

The Bramah lock is in working order. There are three strong hinges securing the lid in position.

The counter sunk handles are a feature found on large boxes of this period and the handles on this box are shaped so as to fit in with the elegant inlay: the straight lines are softened by the framing with its curves and points.

The interior of the box retains its original wine-red velvet and leather. The top folds down to reveal an envelope compartment and small note pockets. There is a lift out tray which conceals a space under it. The bottom of this space conceals a hidden compartment, which opens up with a trick spring mechanism. This is an extremely rare feature in boxes other than writing boxes. The base of the box is of beautifully figured mahogany.

 

The interior of the box retains its original wine-red velvet and leather. The top folds down to reveal an envelope compartment and small note pockets. There is a lift out tray which conceals a space under it.

The brass pattern of undulating flora is skillfully designed and executed. This is particularly well demonstrated in the corners, where the design looks as if it springs from the formal motif which is redolent of the classical palmette. 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 thick saw-cut veneers of the kingwood are arranged to form a pattern utilizing the rich figure of the wood. 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.

 A small area of the brass inlay, here the bottom right of the top has been carefully restored.

see Figure 66 Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors..

The top folds down to reveal an envelope compartment and small note pockets.  The leather is embossed and the pockets are lined with silk. The wine colored silk has a look of opulent richness. 

The Bramah lock is in working order. The key is a replacement. The lock plate is marked J. Bramah Piccadilly

There is a lift out tray which conceals a space under it. The bottom of this space conceals a hidden compartment, which opens up with a trick spring mechanism. This is an extremely rare feature in boxes other than writing boxes. The base of the box is of beautifully figured mahogany.

The bottom of this space conceals a hidden compartment, which opens up with a trick spring mechanism. This is an extremely rare feature in boxes other than writing boxes. The base of the box is of beautifully figured mahogany.