Description

Brass-bound and veneered in flame mahogany with kingwood crossbanding. The interior has three lids and two inkwells. Has its original, almost intact leather with unusual gold tooling which mirrors the exterior brass inlays, faced in kingwood, and with brass star inlays to all four corners of the writing surface. Underside of the small writing surface has a trade label for cabinet makers : David Edwards “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 fabulous writing box contains a secret compartment with three small dovetail jointed drawers. To access these drawers the right hand inkwell must be removed and then the right hand inside wall of its compartment can be pressed to cause a false wall to spring forward.

Features two lecterns, one hiding a brass pin which, when removed, allows access to the side drawer. Under the larger writing surface is a hidden removable reading rail, which can be placed on top of the box, facilitating reading. The lock bears the name “Tompson” with a GR Crown & patent of locksmiths of Birmingham. The choice of veneers and the brass inlays is typical of “David Edwards” work.

With fully working lock and tasselled key.

Additional information