Brass Bound Rosewood Writing Box - Secret Drawers c.1870

Please see my stock page for one of the largest selection of writing boxes on this website. 19th Century Victorian antique brass bound rosewood writing box in very good condition. Attractive grain. No missing or replaced veneer. Brass edging and inlaid brass strips to the top and front. Inlaid brass cartouche and escutcheon. All brassware is original, complete and in excellent condition. The lid closes square and true. The box opens to reveal an impressive interior. Replacement gilt tooled writing surface with the fold lines strengthened as was the practice when the box was made. Inset brass sliding slope clasp, hinges and lock are all original. The key supplied is a bit fiddly but does serve to prove that the lock is fully functional but If security is an important requirement it is recommended that a replacement key is obtained. The ‘office’ section comprises of the standard removable dished pen tray with storage space beneath, wafer/stamp slope and inkpot section complete with an inkpot. The ink inside has of course dried up, it would be a very simply job to rinse it clean but some buyers prefer them as it is thus best left as it came to me. Both storage sections beneath the writing platform are in very clean condition. The box features secret drawers that are accessed by raising the divider between the inkpot and stamp slope sections. The original sprung concealing panel springs open nicely to reveal the original drawers complete with the original turned knobs. I would not go as far as stating that the box is rare but most boxes of the style tended to be much larger and the smaller dimensions may perhaps be far more practical for some nowadays. For the most part it is also a fact that most writing boxes of Any style of smaller dimensions did not feature secret drawers. A fine example of a style of writing box that was popular over much of the 19th century in a condition to please given the condition and degree of original features.