Slades Antiques

Description

This lovely antique writing box is of large proportions and looks to date from the first half of the nineteenth century. It is constructed from what we believe to be solid mahogany with brass corners, banding and inset brass handles. There is a drawer to one side. The box opens up to reveal a felt-lined writing slope with hinged lid. There are four small secret drawers within the recess beneath the slope. The catch for these is hidden in one corner of one inkwell recess and requires a slim tool to operate. There are two glass inkwells present and a small compartment with lift-off lid. Two keys are present for the box itself but there is no key present for the slope. The box is an extremely well-made piece.

There is a plaque on the top of the box, which reads: 'Robert Tweedy A Memento of John Williams Late of Burncoose'. Robert Tweedy (1806-1898) was a Cornish banker. John Williams of Burncoose could either refer to John Williams the Third (1753-1841) or to his son John Williams the Forth (1778-1849), of the prominent Cornish mine-owning family.

Condition: Overall this handsome piece is in good usuable condition with some wear consistent with age and use. It has been fully and professionally restored with some replacement parts - the felt lining to the slope and the brass escutcheon plate are replacements. There is some scuffing and wear to the woodwork as might be expected and the box is overall a little faded. There is some scratching, tarnishing and wear to the brasswork. The secret drawers are well-hidden and tricky to access. There is some staining to the base of the box around the secret drawers.

The approx. measurements are as follows:
Overall - 19cm high, 56cm long, 27cm wide (to maximums).
Further images are available. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. Viewing is welcome, but please contact us before travelling as we are only open by appointment.

We can arrange delivery of both smaller items and furniture - please contact us for details and a quote. Customers are also welcome to use their own couriers if preferred.

Payment can be made by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque [UK only], and cash on collection.