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Description:
Ref: 665WB http://hygra.com/box/665WB 
A Victorian writing box veneered in figured flame mahogany with rounded brass surround and fine brass stringing  The main lock is Bramah. The brass acts both as decoration and protection. The interior is veneered in ebonised wood. The framed writing surface is covered in a replacement gold embossed leather. There is a second lock to the upper flap.   Three secret drawers  are hidden by a sprung panel beneath the compartments for writing accessories and inkwells.
Working locks and keys.

Origin: UK;  Circa: 1860; Materials: .

Size: 46 cm wide by 24.8 cm by 16.7 cm:  18  inches wide by 9.8  inches by  6.6  inches.

Condition: good overall; working locks  and keys; see images

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The embossed leather writing surface is a replacement

 

The box has two locks. The main Bramah lock and a smaller lock for the writing surface.

The box has three secret drawers hidden behind a sprung panel. The release mechanism is triggered by pulling on the division next to the inkwell compartment.. 

There is also a storage space for papers under the other flap. The rich figure of the wood is enhanced by the polish. One of the purposes of the polish is to make the wood more dimensionally stable to changes in humidity.

Boxes from the early part of the 19th C generally only had a wax finish if they weren't left completely without finish.

The gold embossed leather is a replacement.

The lock -plate is faintly stamped "BRAMAH" and "PATENT" and with a crown marking. The lock and its working key are. clearly made to the Bramah specification. 

See:

http://www.hygra.com/locks/Bramah/index.htm

Opening Antique Bramah Box Locks

The pins holding the brass are driven in at an angle. The brass protects the edges and contrasts with the rich colour of the mahogany.

There is some veneer cracking. This does not effect the overall structure of the box.