Description

With a Secret Compartment

From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Victorian Mahogany Writing Box Attributed to Hausburg. The Writing Box of rectangular shape made in Mahogany with brass edging and double brass stringing to the front and lid. The top of the box features a shaped brass initial plaque with a matching flower shaped escutcheon. The Writing Box is finished with flush mounted twin loop carry handles, one to each side. When opened the writing box reveals a green leather writing slope bordered with gold tooling and edged in book matched crossbanded Kingwood. Each half of the slope hinges up to access storage below via small loop tabs. The face of the interior has been strengthened with shaped brass inlay to the corners. The rear of the box houses an ink well, a pen tray and two lidded storage compartments, one removable and labelled Mordan’s pens for Sampson Mordan matching the lockplates which are also labelled S. Mordan & Co 22 Castle St. Finsbury, London. The Writing Box features a secret compartment hidden in the top half of the slope which is accessed by pulling the partition up between the inkwell and the lidded compartment on the right hand side. Once lifted the front fascia springs forward and three hidden drawers are revealed. The Writing slope dates to the late 19th century during the later stages of the Victorian period Circa 1860 and is firmly attributed to Hausburg due to the characteristics only found on Hausburg boxes.

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

Hausburg (Friedrich Ludwig Hausburg) was a renowned artisan and craftsman born in Berlin, Prussia, in 1817. He commenced his professional journey in collaboration with his uncle, August Wilhelm Bernhardt Promoli, who operated from Paris, where they specialized in producing opulent items of fine jewellery, exquisite clocks, and a plethora of other luxury items. During their tenure as expert cabinet makers, they gradually expanded their repertoire to include the manufacturing of an extensive range of luxurious writing and dressing cases, amongst a few other exquisite items, which they retailed in Liverpool As time progressed, Friedrich Ludwig Hausburg’s fame as a cabinet maker grew, and his exceptional craftsmanship was widely acknowledged. His dedication to excellence and uncompromising attention to detail enabled him to become an authority in his field, renowned for producing exceptional, high-quality products that were highly sought after. In summary, Friedrich Ludwig Hausburg’s journey began as an apprentice under the tutelage of his uncle in Paris, where he honed his skills and expertise in crafting luxurious items. His eventual specialization in producing elegant writing and dressing cases, amongst other luxurious goods, is a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to producing exquisite and high-quality products.

Mahogany is the name given to many types of tropical hardwood and can be found in Africa, India and South America, most of which are a red-brown colour with a fine, even grain. This makes it easily workable and gives it a durable finish which attributes to its popularity with many kinds of furniture.

Kingwood also known as Violetwood, is found in South America and is violet-brown in colour with a darker grain. It is a very dense and hard wood that is only available for smaller items due to the small tree that yields it.

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.

Measurements (Inches) 7.5 High x 17.7 Wide x 10.6 Deep

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