Description:
JB444: Impressive brass edged box in mahogany circa 1820.
This is a box of larger than usual proportions. The quality of both the materials and the workmanship is outstanding. The lines of the top change as the interesting figure, the result of cutting the wood at an angle, catches different light values with the slightest move. The interior tray is original and covered in the original leather. Removable velvet covers have been made so as to protect the leather and make the box more useable. The Bramah lock has a working key. The gauge of the brass is thick and compliments the heaviness of the wood. The flat-folding handles further accent the mahogany. The hinge is of an interesting construction designed to support the heavy structure of the box. The fold down ‘envelope’ cover is covered in the original tussled velvet and retains the early 19th century marbled paper.

Origin: UK

Circa: 1820

Size: 37.4 cm wide by 27.5 cm by14.4  cm: 14.7  inches wide by  10.8 inches by  4.3 inches.

Condition: Good overall see photos working lock and key

The plaque in the center of the top is engraved: 

"The Hon'ble Sidney Roper Curzon."

I have not been able as yet to trace the Hon. Sydney Roper. However I discover the following in Burk's Peerage:

"Teynham, Baron (George- Henry Roper-Curzon) of Teynham, Co. Kent b.May 1798; as 16th Baron on the death of his brother 23 Sept 1842.;

The original Surname was Musard. William Musard , assumed the surname Roper at time of Henry III.

A tradition, preserved in the Roper family, records that Queen Elizabeth I offered a ducalcornet to Margaret Roper; but the high minded daughter of Sir Thomas More refused the proffered honour as being a compromise for what she considered the judicial murder of her father. Horace Walpole, in his correspondence,  alludes to the subject: ' It wassss like proposing to Margaret Roper to become a duchess in the court that cut off her father's head, and imagining it would please her.

I came across an interesting story about Lord Teynham, Henry Francis Roper-Curzon, 14th Baron. 

http://www.leighrayment.com/peers/peersT1.htm  

"Teynham was convicted in May 1833 of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences. 
"The following report appeared in the "Preston Chronicle" of 18 May 1833:- 

"'This was an indictment for a conspiracy with an intent to obtain £1,400 from the prosecutor
(Didimus Langford) under the pretence of providing a place for him under Government."

For further information see the footnote to the above page.

The interior tray is original and covered in the original leather. Removable velvet covers have been made so as to protect the leather and make the box more useable.

The fold down ‘envelope’ cover is covered in the original tussled velvet and retains the early 19th century marbled paper.

The fold down ‘envelope’ cover is covered in the original tussled velvet and retains the early 19th century marbled paper.

The interior tray is original and covered in the original leather. Removable velvet covers have been made so as to protect the leather and make the box more useable.

The underside of the lift out tray retains the early 19th century marbled paper.

The hinge is of an interesting construction designed to support the heavy structure of the box. 

The interior tray is original and covered in the original leather. Removable velvet covers have been made so as to protect the leather and make the box more useable.

The Bramah lock is stamped with a GR for "George Rex" and three crowns and the word "patent" twice. 

 http://www.hygra.com/locks/Bramah/ 

The brass edging is held in place by brass pins these are just perceptible as little dots of a slightly different colour. 

  The flat-folding handles further accent the mahogany. 

A

The hinge is of an interesting construction designed to support the heavy structure of the box.