Description

Harlequin Pop Up Secret Compartment

From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Coromandel and Satinwood lined Writing Box by Austin of Dublin. The Writing Box of rectangular form veneered in exotic Coromandel with brass edging, brass parallel stringing, inlaid brass crosses to the front and lid, a barrel escutcheon and a shaped vacant brass initial plaque. When opened the writing box reveals a leather writing slope with an embossed border and gold tooling. The box is faced in Coromandel with shaped brass strengthening to every corner. The detailing of the writing box is simple stunning with star cut screws, brass hinges and a bramah lock plate. The rear of the writing box houses two travel inkwells, a removable pen tray and two further lidded storage compartments. The writing slope contains two storage sections lined in Satinwood, one in the lower half which lifts via a central tab and the second in the top half opens via a matching tab. There is a secret compartment which can be accessed by removing the pin from the pen tray. Once removed the user can depress the secret locking mechanism which is located in the top of storage area when the lid is lifted it exposes a small metal plate which requires a small area to be depressed. When the location is pushed in with the pin a spring loaded compartment pops up containing two drawers. The Writing slope dates to the second half of the 19th century during the Victorian period Circa 1870 and is without doubt manufactured by Austin of Dublin.

Measurements (inches) 7 High x 18.1 Wide x 10.25 Deep

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue p.46

Austin (George) was a cabinet maker in Dublin starting in the early 1800s and the business traded throughout the 1800s. He specialised in campaign furniture with portable writing desks, dressing cases and decanter boxes. His son Thomas joined the business around the 1840s and was just as skilled as his father with both winning numerous awards from Dublin exhibitions and being commended for their work at The Great Exhibition in London.

Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.

Satinwood is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich golden colour and an almost reflective sheen. Satinwood is traditionally used for high quality furniture.

Victorian, an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

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