Description

Dating to the Victorian Period Circa 1850

From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian Rosewood Writing Box attributed to Toulmin & Gale. The Writing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Rosewood wood with squared brass edging and double brass stringing to the front. The top of the box features an unusually located brass plaque escutcheon with a framed double brass stringing and features flush mounted twin loop carry handles, one to each side. When opened the writing box reveals a green leather writing slope with gold tooling the rear of the box houses the harlequin mechanism lift up four drawer bureau which locks into place with a small catch. The drawers are of equal shape with deep compartments fitted with a turned bone handle for easy opening. The pop up section can be put back via the small latch on each side which when depressed slides back down. In front of the pop up bureau there is a small section for the two period Toulmin & Gale inkwells and pen tray. The writing slope contains two storage sections one in the lower half which locks into place with two further catches and lifts via a small tag. The top half opens via a matching tag revealing a larger storage area which also contains a secret compartment. The secret compartment is accessed by pressing down the base of the right hand ink well when removed. When pushed it activates a spring loaded facia plate which reveals the three hidden drawers within. The Writing Box is attributed to Toulmin & Gale of London and dates to the middle of the 19th century during the early Victorian period circa 1845.

The Writing Box comes complete with working lock and tasselled key.

Toulmin & Gale was founded in 1735. By 1845 they were based at 85-86 Cheapside, London and the business was ran by Joseph Toulmin and John Gale Throughout their ownership the company was awarded a prize medal for ‘excellence of material and workmanship’ for their dressing cases at the International Exhibition of 1862. A year later, the company had expanded and opened up a new manufactory at 18 Sise Lane, London and a further shop at 7 New Bond Street, London. They declared bankrupcy in 1876 and George William Betjemann was enlisted as one of the trustees under their liquidation in which the business continued as Betjemann & Gale Ltd for 2 years. In 1878 the name of Toulmin & Gale was trading again with Joseph Toulmin at the helm operating out of 10 Cornhill, London. The business advertised itself as being ‘Late of Cheapside and New Bond Street’. Early 1884 saw Joseph Toulmin deciding to discontinue the retail business and choosing to supervise the manufacture of products for James Hurry’s leather goods department based at 47 Cornhill, London.

Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, also known as Bombay Rosewood or Bombay Blackwood, is found in India and Indonesia. It is highly valued for its striking appearance with colours ranging from a medium-brown to dark red-brown with even darker grain lines. Madagascan Rosewood, found in Madagascar is a pink-brown colour with a darker almost purple grain.

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.

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