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Description:
Ref: 662WB
Regency period writing box in figured rosewood with brass inlay.  The compartmentalized interior has  a sloped embossed leather writing  surface with  storage places for papers beneath.  A sprung panel conceals  three secret drawers. The box has  a working Tompson lock and key. The particular mechanism of the Tompson lock is the double movement of the bolt which first moves up out of the lock, and then across. This enables the lock tennons to be retracted into the lock giving a flat surface. There are lidded compartments for writing accessories such as wax seals and pens. The lids are veneered in rosewood and have turned bone pulls. 

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1815; Materials: rosewood and brass on mahogany.

Size: 50.5 cm wide by 20.5cm by 15.2 cm:   20 inches wide by 8  inches by  6  inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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boxes@hygra.com

This box is almost certainly from the same maker as http://www.hygra.com/e/rwb.htm 

The figured rosewood is inlaid with cast brass accents.

Corner showing the fleur des lys and dot design. This design which is characteristic of the Regency period combines stylised hint of flora with simple lines and dots.

It is elegant without being over fussy and allows the beauty of the wood to express itself.

 

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

 The box has a replacement  gold embossed leather  writing surface.

There is a working lock and key. Here the working lock is in the open position.

 When opened the surface of the lock is flat. indicating that  the lock is  The Tompson patent box lock 

Thompson relied on levers which were called tumbrels at the time to give security.

The particular mechanism of the Tompson lock is the double movement of the bolt mechanism which first moves up, then across. This enables the lock tennons to be withdrawn into the lock.

Here the working lock is in the locked position.

Under the pen tray there  are three secret drawers concealed by a sprung panel.

 

Access to the secret drawers is obtained by releasing the spring loaded panel which hides them. This is done by removing the inkwell and pressing the base of the wood as shown.

This is the area under the top flap.

Under the pen and inkwell tray there is a secret compartment with three small drawers.

Access to these is obtained by releasing the spring loaded panel which hides them. This is done by removing the inkwell and pressing the base of the wood as shown.
The catch which holds and releases the panel can be seen to the right of the drawer.

The drawers are mahogany faced with rosewood with small turned handles.

 

The inside of the box under the lower flap. Writing paper was kept here.

It is made of unpolished mahogany.