ANTIQUE BOXES
at the Sign of the Hygra
2 Middleton Road
London E8 4BL
Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7254 7074
email: boxes@hygra.com
Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
Writing Boxes
Writing Boxes
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Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening Writing Box circa 1800.
A mahogany triple opening brass bound box of quality workmanship in original condition.  

12" wide. Circa 1800. 

This box is very similar to another box on our site which has a dressing tray. The two must have come from the same workshop. Characteristic features of this box such as the particular shape of the protective corners, flat side handles, shape of central plaque, and quality of wood and workmanship, strongly point to the work of the cabinet maker Middleton who was recorded as working from 1801-10 at 162 Strand, London.   

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The corners are particular. They hold and strengthen the wood panels, combining elegance with function.

Side view showing the handle and the early type of steel screws securing the brass.

View of the box fully extended.

View showing inkwell, pounce pot, and pen tray.  

The top flap opens to a document envelope. The back retains tapes for holding notes.

The box with the writing surface folded up. The ink stains bear witness to early pencraft accidents!

The surface is original baize. Note the unusual pounce pot.

Interior paper compartment. The panel under the inkwell/pen tray slides up to reveal small secret drawers.

Other side paper compartment.

For the historical context of this writing box read the relevant part of Antigone's Online Antique Box Book. If you click here you will go there.

We have written a highly  illustrated book on Antique Boxes and Tea caddies  which is being  published by  Schiffer Books USA. This box has been specially photographed for inclusion.

  © 2002 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly