Description:
WB482: High quality  Regency brass edged mahogany writing box in the military style, with countersunk brass handles opening to embossed leather (replacement) writing surface and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. The box also features a mechanism so that it can be used as a reading stand or lectern. There are three secret drawers concealed behind a sprung panel. The box retains two original inkwells with screw tops.  Circa 1810.
Origin: UK

Circa: 1810

Materials: Mahogany and brass.

Size: 45.5 cm by 25.5 cm by 18 cm: inches by inches by inches.

Condition: Good over all with working lock and key, replacement leather writing surface. Some marks to the brass binding at the back.

The work is of  high quality. The brass is not only decorative but protects the edges. The construction of the box is with full blind dovetails. The brass is held in place by brass pins which would be driven in at a slant.

 The escutcheon and brass plate inlaid in the top are of a similar design to some others on our site:

See:
 Hygra:Antique Opulent Regency Brass inlaid Kingwood Writing Box with Elaborate Secret Drawers and Mechanisms Circa 1815

 The work is of  high quality. The brass is not only decorative but protects the edges. The  construction of the box is with full blind dovetails. The brass is held in place by brass pins which would be driven in at a slant.

Inside the box has a sloping writing surface and compartments for paper pens, inkwells and other writing accessories. The embossed writing surface is a modern replacement.

With the box opened in front of you. There is a comfortable surface on which to write. 

The box is constructed  with full blind dovetail joints. These are further strengthened by the pinned angled brass binding. 

hygra.com/uk/wb2/WB469/index.htm#10 

 The box has two faceted glass inkwells with brass screw-tops.

There are compartments for pens inkwells and and other writing accessories. There are secret drawers below which are concealed  behind a sprung panel.

There are three secret drawers. They are of fine dovetail construction. Their fronts have been veneered with saw cut rosewood veneer which is about 1mm. thick.

The  secret drawers are of fine dovetail construction.

The cabinet makers marking lines are still visible. 

They are both semi blind dovetail: they do not appear on the surface.

There is a description of dovetails in another box at: http://www.hygra.com/wb/wbmabrstrp.htm 

The box has a side drawer for storing further papers. The drawer is secured by inserting the brass pin which in this photograph can be seen near the key.

Such a box, although slightly simpler inspired Jane Austin:

See:  

Jane Austen's Writing Box

Here the box is propped half open (see mechanism below) and is used with the book rest  or lectern. which is kept in the upper part of the box when not in use.

The box has side handles in the military style. The handles fold flush with the surface of the box when not in use. 

The reading stand was very useful in a time when light was either from window or candle. A book could be arranged to maximize the available light. 

The box enabled you to read and gather knowledge for longer following the light source.

Perhaps it inspired you to open it and start writing.

 

There are compartments for papers under the flaps. The wood is unfinished which helps to date the box.

It became fashionable a few years later to lightly finish.

see: http://www.hygra.com/uk/wb2/WB478/ 

The reading stand is stored here when not in use. It is visible under the flap.

The handle is countersunk in the military style of the period. The securing iron screws are a further indication of the date.

By about 1825 brass screws were often used.

Some of the brass at the back is a bit uneven.