Description

Edwards Writing box veneered in wonderfully figured rosewood with double brass stringing framing the front and top. The sides feature flush fitted brass campaign handles.

Inside features its original gold tooled purple leather writing surface, a pen tray and two crown ink wells. Lifting the front of the writing surface reveals a storage area and crossed ribbon backing on the surface with label which reads: “Edwards, Manufacturer to the King. 21, King Street. Bloomsbury, London.”

The rear of the writing surface can be lifted to reveal further storage space with a makers label which reads:
“D. Edwards, manufacturer of Writing & Dressing Cases to his Majesty the Duke of York, & c. No21. King Street, Bloomsbury Square. Old Desks, Dressing Cases repaired. Inventor & Maker of the Patent Ink Stand.”

The Edwards writing box comes with a fully working lock and tasselled key.

More information on David Edwards.

David Edwards of 21 King Street, Bloomsbury Square was Writing Box and Case maker to the Royal family and inventor of the patent military travelling case. He also made tea chests, jewellery boxes, sewing boxes and canteen cases of the highest quality. He and his brother Thomas were also known to have worked from James Street and Orange Street. Edwards was known for using the highest quality timbers, intricate inlaid brass, decorative handles and complex mechanisms for secret compartments. He was bough out by Asprey in 1859 and had two royal warrants from King George IV and Queen Victoria.

More information on Writing Boxes can be found on our historypage.

Additional information