Description

Large Antique Writing Box veneered in super Coromandel with campaign side handles, two secret compartments and a pair of Crown top inkwells.

This larger than average writing box is veneered in exotic Coromandel from south east Asia with brass quadrant edging and fine double stringing. With a large engraved initial plate that reads: “MGG from LHG 27th July 1872″. With a large brass escutcheon with the barrel of the  Bramah lock protruding out and sturdy campaign-style carry handles on either side.

Opening the antique writing slope you’ll see it’s faced in Coromandel, which has ornate “L” shaped brass reinforcers to each corner making it more robust for travels. Has pen tray with a void underneath for more writing-related pieces such as wax for seals, pencils and more dip pens etc. A lid and a sloped compartment for knibs on either side and flanking these are two fantastic brass screw Crown top glass inkwells.

The writing surface has brown leather with gold tooling. The lower half lifts to reveal large storage space. The upper half has an ornate escutcheon and lockable compartment lifting it reveals more storage space. However, this compartment locks for a special reason as it contains a secret compartment..! There are three hidden drawers hiding behind a false wall. To access these drawers the far compartment divider has to be pinched and lifted. This will cause the false wall to spring forward!

The upper half of the writing slope has a brass escutcheon and working lock and key.

On the right-hand edge of the open box is a small brass pin. This helps to keep the side drawer secure in transit and can’t be accessed unless the box is in the open position and the pin is removed. Once removed the drawer can be opened using the carry handle. This compartment is where you’ll find a top secret document drawer hiding in the drawer’s void! With the side drawer completely removed the right-hand wall of the upper storage space can be squeezed. This will cause another drawer to drop down into the drawer’s void. This is a perfect hiding place for precious letters or important documents!

This writing box comes with a fully working Bramah Patent lock and a tasselled key. The lock is spring-loaded, meaning the key has to be pressed into the lock whilst turning clockwise to unlock.

The Writing Box, unlike most other boxes, symbolises great milestones in social & economic history. For many centuries, and in many cultures, portables boxes for writing materials had existed. But it was not until the late 18th century that a variation in social & economic circumstances in England made it essential to have the use of a portable desk in the form of a box which could be used on a lap or table. The Writing Box, or Lap Desk, was born! The first writing boxes symbolised intelligence, commerce & a knowledge of the world, with style and fashion being a lesser priority at this time. For around 100 years from the late 1700s, the writing box featured prominently on military expeditions, travels, libraries and in drawing rooms.

All our items come with an authentication certificate with an image, as well as our latest catalogue, care instructions and separate invoice for insurance purposes. On top of this, our items come with 14 days no quibble money-back guarantee and are all fully insured for when shipping.

Additional information