Regency Rosewood and Brass Inlaid Correspondence Box

No: 11195 A superb Regency Rosewood and Brass Inlaid correspondence box, the top with a central inlaid brass plaque, the sides with inset campaign style brass carrying handles, the box opening to reveal the original gilt tooled leather writing slope opening to a letter rack with the original tapes and pins to hold notes, envelopes etc, the other side opening to show a void and a frieze behind which are hidden 6 secret Rosewood veneered small drawers all with the original bone knobs. These can only be accessed via an intricate locking mechanism to trigger the spring loaded frieze. There are three further lidded compartments, one for nibs, one for quills and a quill pen and the third houses a rack to hold the original gilt metal candle holders which fit into brass mounts on the front lip. The original pair of travelling brass top ink wells are also in compartments The lock is stamped “Tompson Birm(ingham) GR Patent”. William Tompson’s lock design was first patented on 29th December 1808 and he may well have supplied the box maker with the elaborate secret compartment locking system as well. The box is complete with two keys Circa 1820 Price : £2100.00 Closed: 55cm wide, 29cm deep, 19.5cm high, Open: 55cm wide, 58.5cm deep, 14cm high (without candleholders)