Inlaid Rosewood Writing – Desk Box c.1850

Attractive Victorian inlaid rosewood Writing/desk box in excellent condition. The style of the interior is such that it lends itself to a very wide range of uses. Even colour and grain to all aspects. Inlaid Mother of Pearl cartouche and escutcheon ‘framed’ by strips of inlaid pewter. All veneer and all inlays are original and complete. No shrinkage splits. The lid closes perfectly square. Original hinges both stamped with a known maker of the period. Original lock with a replacement working key supplied. The back edge of the top of the lid is slightly angled to enable the lid to fold back completely to give a slightly angled writing platform that is very stable without putting strain upon the hinges. A replacement velvet has been fitted that is very much in keeping with the original and features subtle embossed lines and corner features. Central sliding clasp that when released provides access to a storage space beneath…all is spotless condition with the original lacquered surfaces. The base section comprises of a removable tray subdivided into 4 sections with a storage section beneath, once again divided into 4 sections. The tray and all dividers are original, complete and are all solid mahogany and feature the original lacquer. The back row features the original solid rosewood lid complete with Mother of Pearl knob with a storage beneath divided into 3 sections. It is quite a bonus to have what is quite possibly the original matching pair of inkpots both is excellent condition with brass screw on tops. Though not impossible it would probably be quite time consuming to obtain inkwells of the period of the size required. Boxes of this style do not surface very frequently, certainly not in such condition with such a high degree of original features. The layout of the interior and the convenient dimensions of the box means that this item is extremely versatile and practical for modern day use. Very Highly Recommended.