Description

Manufactured by Chapman and Retailed by Leuchars

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From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to bring to market this extremely rare Coromandel Letter Box Clock by Chapman retailed by Leuchars. The letter box stood on a plinth base with square body and domed is beautifully veneered in exotic Coromandel wood with a front bevelled glass viewing window on a lockable door fitted with a brahma lock below a gilt brass aperture embossed with the word letters. Sitting in the top of the front is a circular clock with white enamel dial bearing black roman numerals and the retailers name Leuchars and Son. 38-39 Piccadilly. The letter compartment is lined in Satinwood and contains the registration kite mark which dates the Coromandel Letter Box Clock by Chapman and Leuchars exactly to January 1877. Important provenance literature below.

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The Coromandel Letter Box Clock by Chapman and Leuchars comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

Measurements (Inches) 16.5 High x 10.6 Wide x 8.3 Deep

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Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Page 50

Provenance Sothebys Important French & Continental Furniture, European Ceramics & Clocks 08 July 2008 • London Lot 403

The Letter Box Clock is accompanied by documentation of the original Chapman Son & Co. catalogue with the coromandel timepiece listed as registered No. 307220. Interestingly Chapman offered an oak model as a standard model and the Coromandel was special order at an extra cost. The letter stamped with a Perfin 1d Red, Plate 197, dated February 1878, from Chapman, Son & Co, Gold Medal ‘Cabinet & Leather Goods Manufactory’, advertising three examples of ‘The Registered Clock Letter Box’, the most expensive – and rarest – being made in Coromandel wood, as herewith.

The accompanying letter reads ”

Cabinet & Leather Goods Manufactory
283 Charterhouse Buildings, Aldersgate
London, February 1878

The new Pillar Letter Box

Dear Sir,

Annexed we hand you prices & drawings of the above novelties recently introduced by us. The marked patronage which they have already received is a strong proof in support of their usefulness & completeness. Soliciting the favor of an early call to inspect the same, or if not convenient to pay us a visit, we shall be happy to forward a case of samples for your selection on hearing from you.

Waiting to receive your esteemed orders,

Yours faithfully,
Chapman, Son & Co.

Our new Illustrated Detailed Catalogue sent free on application.

“P.T.O.”

The letter is headed by two medallion logos referencing their exhibition in South Africa in 1877 and the gold medal won at the exhibition.

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Leuchars of 47 Piccadilly, London was established in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1837 the firm received a royal warrant for the supply of dressing cases to the royal family. Leuchars were also regular suppliers to the highly regarded Asprey of London. They were prominent cabinet makers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries creating some of the finest pieces of furniture and decorative objects of the time.

Chapman Son & Co. established 1798 were fancy cabinet, dressing case and leather goods manufacturers & warehousemen, along with their own retail business they supplied firms like Leuchars with high end pieces. They operated out of 2 Charter House Buildings, Aldersgate, London and were listed in the The Furniture Gazette Directory, 1 December 1877, and The Furniture Gazette, 21 July 1877 as well as exhibiting in the South African International Exhibition in 1877, they also advertised their four gold medals suggesting they took the top prize at one or multiple exhibitions.

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.

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.

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Every purchase made from Mark Goodger Antiques is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of documents to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. This includes our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen item, and an independent invoice for insurance purposes. Additionally, your purchase is protected by our no-hassle, money-back policy, and your item will be fully insured during the shipping process to safeguard against damage or loss.

Additional information

Dimensions	27 × 21 × 42 cm
Country	England, United Kingdom
Literature	Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue
Medium	Brass, Coromandel, Enamel, Satinwood
Period	19th Century, Late 19th Century, Victorian
Year	1877
SKU	501612