Webberley Antiques

Description

A very fine Regency example, in solid coromandel of a superb colour.

The dark brown/black grain highlighted with creams and golds which run in natural stripes all over the box, Coromandel was a much prized exotic timber imported into the London docks and was usually used in small sections of veneer only due to the high cost of this wood. Here it is used in the solid and has developed a good patina. A further high quality detail is that solid brass string inlays have been added – a double band to the top and front – which sets off the Coromandel very well and is all inlaid by hand.

The central brass reserve to the top and brass escutcheon are shaped as open flower heads and are original also.

The box retains its original working steel key and opens on original hinges to reveal the writing slope. This is inset with a new black leather skiver with gold tooled border. The original skiver was black but was damaged and torn so we have replaced it with an identical skiver and matching gold tooling.

The inner writing slope is solid mahogany and it locks into the top of the box with small brass slide bolts. With the bolts released the slope folds and there is a small compartment beneath the slope in both sections of the box – perfect for storing paper and envelopes. There is also a compartment for inkwells and quill pens. A quill pen is designed to rest in an ebonised mahogany curved boat which is removable. It may seem strange to us now that feather and quill pens remained in use until the mid-19th century when the first steel tipped pen was introduced.

A very pretty writing box of superior quality and in very good original condition with only minor surface marks and scuffs consistent with age and with a new green baize to the base to allow it to sit safely on a polished surface.

Dimensions are:

6 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide and 13.75 inches long when closed.

19 inches long when open.
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