A Partrigewood writing box with inlaid banding and decorated with a hand coloured engraving Circa 1800

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Rare Partridgewood writing box with inlaid banding and decorated with a hand coloured engraving Circa 1800

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Reference: wb 109

Description:
An early 19th century partridgewood writing box with inlaid banding and decorated with a hand coloured engraving depicting a winged Victory ahead of a Classical laurelled hero riding in his chariot. The box has side carrying handles a drawer, inner velvet writing surface and places for writing materials and accessories.

Origin: United Kingdom

Circa: 1800

Materials: Partridge wood and inlay on a pine carcass.

Size: 34.5cm by 31cm by 17cm: 13.6 inches by 12.2 inches by 6.7inches.
Condition: fair.

See also:

A Rosewood Writing Slope circa 1790.

Rare Regency Rosewood and Penwork Box Circa 1810

Rare Georgian sewing box with cherub print and turned Tunbridge ware sewing tools Circa 1800

A writing box of similar form is illustrated at figure 20 of Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

Detail of the inlaid binding. The distinctive grain of the wood is like the breast of a partridge, hence the wood is called partridgewood.

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Designs of romanticized classical mythological subjects were designed by Princess Elizabeth (1770-1840), daughter of George III. See: www.thepeerage.com/
p10086.htm#i100857

Some of Princess Elizabeth's work can be seen in the Royal Collection at Frogmore House.

Princess Elizabeth's designs were engraved by notable engravers such as H. Thielcke (1813)and W.N. Gardiner (1804) and printed by W. Bulmer & Co., London.

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The pink paper on the back and lining the drawer are original. The velvet writing surface is a replacement. The drawer is held in place by a rod.

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The tray for ink and pens lifts out.

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The box has side carrying handles and a side drawer.

There is a crack in the back which has been consolidated.

A writing box of similar form is illustrated at figure 20 of Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2005 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