Georgian Solid Mahogany Triple Fold Writing Box - Secret Drawers + More c.1820

Please see my stock page for one of the largest selection of writing boxes available on this website. Impressive brass bound solid mahogany Georgian triple fold writing box in very good condition. Unspoilt mellow patina. Original inlaid escutcheon, side handles and 4 corner pieces to each of the four box corners with original screw fixings. The brassware could of course easily be cleaned to a gold like lustre but the mellow patina of the brassware is even and contributes to the character of the item and it is a decision best left to the buyer with the recommendation that it is best left as is. There is a shrinkage fracture slightly in from the back edge of the lid. It is common on the tops of solid wood antique boxes and generally the splits are further in from the edges (quite frequently to the centre). The location of the split on this box is far less apparent and certainly Far more stable with no ‘give’ of any concern. The side handles are worthy of attention as the style seems to represent the transition from the earlier surface mounted ‘drop style’ handles to the later inset style. Original brass throughout the interior, again not highly polished. All brassware is original, complete and in very fine condition with a replacement working key supplied. The office section comprises of the usual twin inkpot sections, wafer/nib slope/pen tray with storage space beneath. I believe the tray is a replacement as are the matching pair of brass screw top inkpots. The replacement felt that had been fitted was in a sorry state and a replacement leather has been fitted to complement the leather panel to the lid interior. Though obviously it cannot be seen but the purist out there will be pleased to know that the two sections of the writing platform were attached to the box carcass by the Original method of attaching recessed leather hinges. Both storage sections beneath the platform are in very good condition and access to the two secret drawers is by sliding up the original concealing panel directly to the front of the office section. It is of course the fact that this box is a triple fold that makes it more appealing to many. With just the lid opened a plain and smaller writing surface is presented with easier access to the fitting within the lid which is in superb condition. Leather fronted with blind embossed borders and corner features. The panel can be released via the original twin swing clasps and folds down to access a large storage envelope. The envelope is in superb condition with the fold line fully intact and both side folds likewise in excellent condition. The envelope interior is best described as being in virtually unused condition with just two very small ink stains!! The lid interior surface is sub divided into 3 sections a centre section with replacement webbing to retain various notes /cards etc. The webbing has obviously been replaced picking up as close as possible to the original fixing points. The sections to the lefty and right are in excellent condition with a total of 6 leather coated ‘slots’ for notes/cards….all are, once again, what looks to be in unused condition. I understand that each was for one day of the week…..none for Sunday as it was a day of rest. A fine piece of Georgian woodenware.