Description

Large Sized Double Opening Writing Box with two secret compartments

From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian Rosewood Double Opening Writing Box. The large sized Writing Box of large rectangular shape edged in brass with Rosewood veneer. The exterior of the box extensively inlaid with brass boulle work style decoration having florets of blossoming flowers and foliage scrollwork. To the lid of the box an initial plaque reading Geo Underwood with flush mounted carry handles to each side and a shaped brass escutcheon. The Writing Box with double folding interior the lid opens first to reveal the very unusual spring loaded leather address labels for storing addresses alphabetically (we have never seen this before!). The other side features a Rosewood face with beautiful brass inlay and stringing. When folded again the leather writing slope is revealed with beautiful gold tooling and a deep purple-red leather. The lower half of the slope opens on a brass catch and hinges to access storage while the top half opens to access the secrets of the Writing Box. To access the secret compartments a small brass pin must be used as the key which is located on the right hand side. A very small hole to the centre of the writing requires the pin locating and pushing in. When the pin is pushed in, a click sound will activate the first secret compartment which will be accessed upon lifting the leather slope with the tab towards you. As you lift the tab a wooden panel will rise giving the user access to the first compartment. The second compartment is accessed by removing the right hand side inkwell and pushing the brass pin into a small hole below the inkwell. When pressed a strong spring action will ping a small piece of wood out which will reveal three small drawers. Each compartment clicks back into place in reverse order.  The rear of the slope houses the two unusually large crown top inkwells and pen tray along with the secret compartment latch. The Writing Slope dates to the very early Victorian period circa 1940.

The Writing Slope comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

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