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Description:
A  very fine Regency Rosewood veneered writing box decorated on the top and  front with a continuous band of brass inlay and a brass strip with fretted symmetrical ornament. The box opens down to  reveal a writing surface which still retains its elaborately gold embossed leather. The box retains its original inkwells. There is a nest of three secret drawers concealed by a sprung panel and  hidden under the pen compartments. 

Origin: United Kingdom

Circa: 1820.

 

Materials: rosewood and brass on a mahogany and pine structure.

Size: 40.5cm by 26.5 cm by 11.5 cm: 16 inches by 10.4 inches by 4.5 inches.

Condition: overall very good. working lock and key.

Detail of the central inlaid brass motif.

The  front of the box opens down to  reveal a writing surface. The back which covers the pen and inkwell section folds back in the manner of Regency writing slopes. See : A Fine Rosewood writing slope inlaid with mother of pearl depicting Scottish motifs Circa 1830. However, unlike writing slopes, when closed, the box has a flat surface. 

The box opens down to  reveal a writing surface which still retains its elaborately gold embossed leather. The box retains its original inkwells.

 The embossed writing surface is of particularly high quality 

 There is also brass accenting to the lids of the pen compartments.

The box retains its original inkwells.

 Some of the carcass wood  such as the flaps are pine. This was probably to reduce weight.  

The flaps lift up to reveal places for holding stationary.

There is a nest of three secret drawers concealed by a sprung panel and  hidden under the pen compartments. 

 The secret drawers are dovetail construction. They are made from mahogany and faced with rosewood. 

Detail of the sprung panel which hides the secret drawers. The panel is released by inserting a rod through a hole concealed by one of the inkwells.

There is a small lift out box with a sliding lid  .

The box may be carried by the flush brass handles.

 The box is very similar to the box illustrated at figure 492 of our book Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors.