Victorian Inlaid Combination Jewellery- Work- Writing Box. C1875

Please see my stock page for one of the largest selection of jewellery boxes and writing boxes available on this website. Inlaid walnut combination box with a high degree of original features in very fine condition. Unspoilt patina. No missing or replaced veneer. All brassware throughout the box is original, complete and in very good condition with a replacement working key supplied. Inlaid brass cartouche with brass scroll beneath with matching escutcheon and scroll. The lid closes perfectly square. The lid interior the original panel that originally would have folded forward but as is very often the case the panel has been glued as the side folds to what would have been a storage envelope obviously tore. The base section features the original removable tray with all of the original dividers and fittings present and all of the retaining hoops to the centre lid still fully intact and the original knobs to the two lids. Upon removing the tray access can be made to the small storage area beneath the tray and to the ‘office’ section at the back comprising of the original removable dished per tray with storage space beneath, stamp slope and inkpot section complete with what is possibly the original inkpot in very good condition. The front can be folded forward to provide a sloping writing surface. The condition of the original embossed velvet is quite exceptional and a true bonus. The top section opens to reveal ample storage for miscellaneous writing accessories. The sealing wax, nibs and dip nib pen are later additions. These combination boxes were manufactured in far less numbers than the standard writing boxes and/or work boxes and it is fair to state that few survive in such fine condition as this example. As with most antique work boxes, this item could be put to good modern day uses as a jewellery box, the tray with the many various sections and the storage space beneath the writing slope being ideal for the purpose. This particular item is dual purpose and that little bit more different than most. Given the degree of original features and the overall condition it also represents a fine investment and a welcome addition to any collection.