‘Quality’ Fully Edge Bound Mahogany Writing Box.PROVENANCE! Internal Tray 1871

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Double your traffic. LAST OPPORTUNITY? THIS WEEK I AM OFFERING THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF FINE QUALITY ANTIQUE BOXES OFFERED BY ONE SELLER AT ONE TIME ON EBAY. MANY OF THE BOXES WILL NOT BE LISTED ON EBAY AGAIN AND A GOOD FEW OF THEM ARE OF A QUALITY AND STYLE THAT ARE RARELY SEEN BE THAT ON THE WEB OR EBAY. ALL ARE LISTED ON A BUY IT NOW/OFFER BASIS. IF YOU CAN FIND SIMILAR…….COMPARE THE PRICES. RARE OPPORTUNITY……SOUND INVESTMENT PIECES. Fine quality writing box made during the mid-late 1800’s with many features that will appeal to keen collectors. Measures approximately 16” x 9 ½” x 6 ¼”. Unlike the majority of ‘bound’ boxes of the period that has brass edging to the top and front only this box is fully edge bound, all original and all firmly fixed. Subtle inlaid brass bands to the top and front complementing the brass band ‘frame’ that surrounds the cartouche. The box has not been devalued by stripping back and refinishing, boasting as it does a fine unspoilt patina. No missing or replaced veneer, the only slight imperfection being a hairline SURFACE fracture of the veneer to the left of the lock. As can be seen from the photographs this does not detract from what is a grand example of this style of writing box. Original inset side handles in excellent condition. The top closes perfectly square on the original brass hinges that are larger and more robust than the norm. The interior is equally impressive. Please note the brass inlays to the corners and the nice finishing touch of the brass roundels to the twin sliding slope clasps. A box of this quality warrants a fine quality lock and they don’t come much better than those made by Bramah of London, the oldest manufacturers of locks in the world. The history of the lock mechanism is worthy of a quick read via a Google search.....Just enter ‘Bramah lock challenge’. .....Basically the lock was regarded as pick proof for many years and the mechanism has changed little from the early 1800’s through to this day. The lock is in fine working condition and comes complete with a working key. The leather writing surface is I believe original and is slightly different from 99%+ of leathers insofar that rather than have a continuous single piece that extends across the hinge line between the two sections of the box there are two separate pieces. As any box collector will know THE most common forms of age related wear and tear is to the material on the writing platform along the hinge line, this being the only area that is still exposed to the harmful effects of the environment when the box is closed . It is a great pity that two pieces were not the standard practice!! As can be seen the leather is in excellent condition with both original pull tabs still fully intact. As if the Bramah lock was not enough in safeguarding the contents this box has an additional lock that secures the contents of the storage space under the writing slope section closest to the office section. Again, the lock is original, is in fine working condition and comes complete with a working key. Yet another sign of quality build can be seen by the use and extent of the solid mahogany lining, sections and slope supports and the flame mahogany veneer to the lid interior....all original, all beautifully lacquered and all in superb condition. To the underside of the slope ‘fall’ is the original webbing to retain notes/cards etc still fully intact!! This box has the considerable addition bonus of still having the original removable tray. Made of solid mahogany with extremely tiny beautifully crafted dovetailed joints, again in superb condition. Though these trays were a relatively common feature of antique writing boxes anyone could be forgiven for thinking otherwise given how few remain and the fact that this particular example is of such quality and in such condition makes it quite a rarity. The tray conceals a further storage space beneath and in addition serves to disguise access to the three secret drawers. Access to these is by pressing t... read more

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