Quality Kingwood Writing Box - Original Velvet Slope Surface c.1835

Fine quality inlaid kingwood writing box in very fine condition. Boxes veneered with kingwood were more often than not made by the box makers associated with producing high quality items targeted for the high end of the market. As with this particular example considerable emphasis was placed upon the positioning of the veneer to maximise the effect of the grain and quite often cross grain tulipwood bands was used to provide a subtle contrast…..again, as per this item. All veneer is original, complete and in excellent condition. Inlaid shield bone style escutcheon. The sloping front and rear lid closes square. Original hinges and lock with a replacement working key supplied. Please note the lock back plate is not in evidence as with the majority of slope fronted writing boxes resulting in a neater looking lid interior. Contrasting edges to the writing platform, quite a common feature on boxes of the period. The office section comprises of a tilting front pen tray and wafer/nib slope to the front with twin inkpot sections with a replacement pair of brass crew top inkpots with central lid to the back row. I believe that the front tray is a replacement but is a perfect fit. To the underside of the slope surface is a network of webbing with brass dome top fixings. It is impossible to state the age of the webbing….It is certainly of the old type that was used during the 1800’s but if anything, it looks too perfect for me. That stated the interior surfaces are all perfect bar a dribble of ink to one corner. The velvet to the lid interior and to the writing slope surface is I believe original. It does have very slight wear, has the expected slight light bleaching along the fold line between the two sections of the box (the only part exposed to the elements when the box is closed) but the fold line where the top sections opens to access the storage area is Fully intact. All indications are that this box has seen very little use over the course of circa 180 years! Yes, it is relatively plain in terms of style but kingwood was regarded as The best variety of the rosewood species and the grain is worthy of not having the grain made less attractive by the presence of inlays. **Very Highly Recommended**