Description:
WB483: Regency brass edged  figured rosewood  writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles opening to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment.  The box has two locks. The main one is Bramah and slightly later than the box.  one of the flaps also has a  lock. There is a side drawer for more papers. Circa 1820

Origin: UK

Circa: 1820

Materials:

Size: 35.5 cm by 24 cm by 16.5 cm: inches by inches by inches.

Condition: Very good overall. See pictures and comments;  replacement skiver; working locks and keys. 

The main lock  is Bramah and slightly later than the box. Bramah locks were more secure than other box locks. I think this lock dates to about 1835.

 The box opens to an embossed leather writing surface (replacement) and compartments for pens and inkwells

One of the flaps has its own lock.

There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

 The box also has a side drawer for papers. This is secured by inserting a brass pin in the facing. 

 Detail of the corner: the writing surface is edged with rosewood

There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

There are compartments for paper under the flaps. 

There  are secret drawers under the pen compartment concealed behind a sprung flap released by pulling up the wall  of the right inkwell compartment. 

The box has two inkwells. The one on the right is about the same date as the box. The inkwell on the left is a modern reproduction.

 Detail of the brass inlay which in turn is inlaid with rosewood. This was a style of inlay used by the better London cabinet makers in the early 19th C. to decorate boxes. 

The work is of very high quality. The brass is not only decorative but protects the edges.  The brass is held in place by brass pins which would be driven in at a slant.

 The figuring of the rosewood used for the top is exceptional.

The brass plate in the center of the top is particularly elaborate.