Description

Magnificent regency writing box attributed to David Edwards. This fine antique writing box is made of solid mahogany and veneered in stunning figured rosewood with brass edging and double stringing to the top and front. With a vacant ornate initial plate and campaign carry handles.

The interior facings have brass lines with brass dots, a distinctive feature that David Edwards often uses on pieces made in his Cabinet workshop. This fabulous writing box also features replacement black leather writing surface with gold tooling. The lower half lifts to reveal a large storage area, only accessed by moving a small pin with your nail in the lock keep. The top half is lockable with its own key, and once lifted it reveals a large storage area with a secret compartment. The secret is revealed by removing the left-hand side inkwell and applying pressure to the outside wall of its compartment. This will cause a false wall to spring forward revealing two hidden drawers, each constructed with tiny dovetailed joints.

This writing box comes with a pair of brass screw top inkwells, a fully working Bramah lock and tasselled key. The key must be pressed into the sprung lock whilst turning clockwise to unlock.

David Edwards of 21 King Street, Bloomsbury Square was Writing Box and Case maker to the Royal family and inventor of the patent military travelling case. He also made tea chests, jewellery boxes, sewing boxes and canteen cases of the highest quality. He and his brother Thomas were also known to have worked from James Street and Orange Street. Edwards was known for using the highest quality timbers, intricate inlaid brass, decorative handles and complex mechanisms for secret compartments. He was bought out by Asprey in 1859 and had two royal warrants from King George IV and Queen Victoria.

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

Additional information