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Description:

A Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening brass bound Writing Box circa 1810 with original inkwells and secret drawers.

The box has the original  lock and a working  key.

It also has an upright back with a letter pocket and individual pockets 

Origin: United Kingdom

Circa: 1810

Materials: Mahogany and brass.

Size: 51.2cm by 25.2cm by 16.5cm: 20.2 inches by 10 inches by 6.5 inches.

Condition: Very good overall.

This box is featured at figure 482 of our book Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

The gold tooling on the back is of very high quality the pattern is of a stylized palmette. The individual pockets  are marked in gold with the days of the week

The upper part of the box provides some privacy if writing with someone facing.  The writing surface is green felt and looks original. The upper flap is an early simple form. The reminder pockets which can be seen in the next picture were sometimes on this surface.

There are four secret drawers concealed behind a sprung panel which is released by pulling on one of the divisions. 

Below the writing tablet there are a compartments for holding papers.

This being an early 19th century box much of the wood inside has not been varnished or polished.

Detail of the secret drawer panel showing the spring and the catch.

The brass is secured with steel/iron screws. These were clearly  flattened when first put in.  The corner jointing is mitered blind dovetail. The brass would hold this together even if the glue became damp. These boxes were designed to survive very difficult circumstances.  The brass side handles are  countersunk.

For further details of the dovetail joint see:   Georgian mahogany brass bound mahogany writing box Circa 1800.

In the 18th C the handles were not usually countersunk.

Below the writing tablet there are a compartments for holding papers.