John Joseph Mechi, a well-known Victorian-era entrepreneur who gained fame for producing high-quality, beautifully crafted antique boxes, particularly writing boxes or writing slopes. Mechi’s boxes were highly innovative for their time and are now collectible as fine examples of 19th-century craftsmanship.

Key Points About John Joseph Mechi and His Company
Founding and Early Success:

John Joseph Mechi was born in 1802 in London, and he initially trained as a cutler (maker of cutlery) before branching into other ventures.
In the 1830s, he opened a shop at 4 Leadenhall Street in London, where he began designing and selling unique writing boxes. These boxes became especially popular among traveling professionals and writers.
Innovative Writing Boxes:

Mechi’s writing boxes, also known as writing slopes, were elegantly crafted and equipped with innovative features that set them apart from other boxes at the time. These portable desks included compartments for pens, ink bottles, paper, and other writing tools, making them ideal for travelers and those working outside the office.
Many of Mechi’s boxes were made of exotic hardwoods like rosewood or mahogany and were often adorned with brass inlays and lockable features for added security. They showcased fine craftsmanship, with features such as leather writing surfaces and cleverly concealed drawers.
Technological and Functional Innovations:

Mechi was an innovator, and he incorporated practical designs into his writing boxes. His boxes often featured hidden compartments and other secretive storage options, appealing to customers who valued privacy and security.
Some boxes included self-filling inkwells and spring-loaded compartments, which were advanced for the period and made Mechi’s products highly desirable.
Expansion into Agricultural Innovation:

Later in life, John Joseph Mechi became interested in agriculture and experimented with modern farming techniques at his farm in Tiptree, Essex. His pioneering ideas in farming and technology gained attention, though his agricultural ventures were not as commercially successful as his box-making business.
Collectibility and Legacy:

Today, Mechi’s writing boxes are highly valued by collectors of antique boxes and Victorian memorabilia. His boxes reflect the elegance and functionality of Victorian design and represent a period when portable writing desks were essential for professionals.
Collectors seek Mechi boxes not only for their beauty and craftsmanship but also for the historical innovation they represent, as Mechi’s designs influenced the way portable writing tools were conceived and made in the 19th century.
The Mechi Brand:

John Joseph Mechi’s boxes are typically marked with his name and the Leadenhall Street address, which helps to authenticate the pieces. These marks have become symbols of quality for collectors and antique dealers, as they identify Mechi’s work among other Victorian-era writing boxes.
In summary, John Joseph Mechi’s company became famous for creating exquisitely crafted writing boxes that were innovative, functional, and beautiful. His work remains a significant part of Victorian design history, with Mechi writing boxes now regarded as collector’s items that capture the spirit of 19th-century ingenuity and craftsmanship.