Georgian Combination Writing, Reading &Travel Box
£895
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Dating to the early part of the 19th century, this is a rare form of combination large travelling box, brass bound, with writing slope, fitted drawers and lectern (book rest) top. The box is designed for any well to do traveller to have everything needed on a journey, perhaps part of their grand tour luggage. It would certainly have not been available to anyone but the wealthy.
It is a superb example of an early 19th Century (Georgian) personal box made of solid mahogany with brass handles, brass edges, brass escutcheon and hinges as well as a recessed brass strut to support the book rest.
Inside, the writing element of the box is fitted with a green leather writing surface with a tooled edge. It comes with glass inkwells (plated screw tops), a pen tray and two open compartments possibly designed to secure small candle holders. As with a standard writing slope both halves of the writing platten open up to reveal the cavity below as well as cross ribbons for securing letters. Unlike a standard box, it also comes with an original book rest which slots into the outside and the top can then be held up at an adjustable angle by the brass strut inside.
Below the writing part of the box are two draws (one either end) secured by brass pegs through the inside frame, each drawer is designed to serve a purpose other than the reading and writing. One end has a velvet lined vanity section including a strut mirror and numerous original stoppered bottles and glass and bone jars. The other end has a lid over one open and one closed compartment.
This is a rare box, when we acquired it it was structurally sound but had been treated with modern lacquer, this has all been removed and the box returned to its original French polished condition, it has sympathetic restoration which has maintained the originality of a great box. Having now been properly cleaned and polished we are pleased to confirm the item is in excellent condition and displays beautifully. It comes with a working key for the main box.
Approximate Measurements (closed):
Width : 19” (50cm)
Height : 7" (18cm)
Depth : 10 1/2" (27cm)