Description

Scrolling Brass Inlay

From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp. The Writing Box of rectangular shape edged in brass with Rosewood veneer to each panel. The exterior of the box extensively inlaid with brass boulle style decoration with foliage scrollwork framed in brass stringing. To the lid of the box is an inlaid vacant initial plaque with flush mounted carry handles to each side and a barrel shaped brass escutcheon to the front. The interior of the Writing Box is fitted with a Black leather writing slope framed in gold tooling and brass stringing to the face. The upper half is fitted with two inkwells, a pen tray and a lidded compartment. The bottom half of the writing slope storage can be accessed by lifting the tab at the base upwards, the inside of this compartment contains the manufacture label for (William) Chrisp, Writing & Dressing Case, Manufacture, Cockspur Street, London & 49 New Bond Street. The top half of the writing slope has a lockable compartment which can also be lifted via a matching tab one unlocked. This compartment houses the secret drawers which are located in the below the inkwell and pen tray storage. To access the secret compartments the top right hand side inkwell needs to be removed and then the inner outer wall needs to be pressed in firmly. This will activate the spring loaded dummy front to access the three secret pull out drawers. The Antique Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp is complete with a sterling Silver Georgian inkwell dating to 1818 and a Bramah lock signed J. Bramah. The Writing Box dates to the early 19th century during the Regency era Circa 1820.

The Antique Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp comes complete with two working locks and tasselled keys.

Measurements (inches) 5.3 x 16.15 x 10

The Writing Slope comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

William Chrisp was a dressing case and writing box manufacture operating from 39 (changed to 34 in 1820) Cockspur Street, London and 49 New Bond Street, London. Chrisp business established circa 1800-1837 and he was known for high quality designed boxes using good materials. There is little information regarding his career and it is quite likely that he worked with or was bought out by Edwards due to the similarity in boxes.

Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, also known as Bombay Rosewood or Bombay Blackwood, is found in India and Indonesia. It is highly valued for its striking appearance with colours ranging from a medium-brown to dark red-brown with even darker grain lines. Madagascan Rosewood, found in Madagascar is a pink-brown colour with a darker almost purple grain.

Regency is an era of British history between 1811 and 1820. The Regency era was initiated by King George III first suffered a debilitating illness in the late 1780s. He relapsed into his mental illness in 1810 and by the Regency Act in 1811 his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed prince regent to discharge royal functions. When George III died in 1820, the Prince Regent succeeded him as George IV.

Bramah is London’s oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Fitzrovia, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah manufactures Bramah and Rola locks for domestic and commercial applications in the U.K. and overseas. We are Marylebone and Fitzrovia’s foremost Locksmith and Burglar Alarm installer.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information