Description:

A Writing box veneered in very thick strongly figured rosewood, edged with brass  and having brass set-in handles on the side. 

It opens down to reveal an unusually expansive  writing surface and space for writing implements.

 Under the implement drawer there is a  secret drawer hidden behind  a  sprung panel.   There is also a separately locked fitted  drawer. 

Origin: UK

Circa: 1819

Materials: rosewood mahogany and brass

Size: 45.7 cm by 26.8cm by 18.5cm: 18 inches by 10.6inches by 7.2 inches.

Condition: very good original condition

This was a time of industrial innovation and the Bramah lock was part of that innovation.  They were made to the highest specification and gave a great improvement on security. Joseph Bramah took out his patent for the   Bramah Lock  in 1784.  This box is especially rare in having two.

 

The  main lock is marked  Bramah. When I acquired this box the main lock was open but the lock for the drawer was locked.  And there were no keys!

This is the dismantled locking mechanism  the main  lock 

There is a second Bramah lock on the drawer. When this box came into our possession  the drawer was locked and the keys were lost. I hoped that the two locks were on suite and that by making a key for the main lock which I could take apart it would also fit the lock in the drawer. 

There are further photos of the lock at Antique Bramah Locks

It did fit the drawer!

The Bramah lock is particular and individual in that there are slots cut in the barrel of the key.

 The escutcheon of the drawer lock is clearly Bramah design but most unusual for a Bramah lock it is almost flush with the surface. 

The lining of the drawer is all original. I am still uncertain what it contained but my present suspicion is dissection tools.

 The drawer is of Dovetail construction. the thickness of the saw cut veneer is clearly visible.

The drawer lock has not been out of the box. Luckily the lock is matched to the main lock. 

The escutcheon of the drawer lock is clearly Bramah design but most unusual for a Bramah lock it is almost flush with the surface.

 The the drawer lock from the underside.

The whole ethos of the box is of restrained quality with mitered rosewood facings inlaid with brass and run with a narrow bead molding.

The upper flap is divided in two parts, the smaller compartment is fitted for writing implements and has two associated inkwells. 

There is a secret compartment under the  writing implement compartment. It is hidden behind a sprung wooden panel.

Inside the compartment there is a single drawer of dovetail construction.

 The drawer has a turned bone knob. 

The writing tablet is covered in its original embossed leather. There is a small patch on the small flap.

The rosewood is especially beautiful.  The top is a joined book match.  

There are inset brass handles to the sides

The whole ethos of the box is of restrained quality with mitered rosewood facings inlaid with brass and run with a narrow bead molding.