Unusual Rosewood Combination Jewellery / Work / Lectern Writing Box c.1845

This is the first time that I have come across a combination box of this style and features. Most of the writing boxes that featured at lid that opened up to provide an angled writing surface tended to just have a base section to accommodate inkpots and a combination of open and lidded sections for various stationery accessories. The combination writing boxes/work boxes either featured a front drawer or a front hinged section that opened up at the front of the box to present the sloping writing platform with either a fixed or removable tray for sewing accessories at the top of the box enclosed by the box lid. This particular box has the back sloping writing surface with a recessed area to the top of the base section and a front drawer lockable drawer for the sewing accessories. In addition the ‘lid’ can used as a reading lectern and set at various angles by way a brass riser. All veneer is original and complete. What looks to be the original embossed velvet to the writing surface free of tears and stains. All brassware is in extremely good condition and a replacement working key is provided for the drawer. The batten for the lectern facility is a replacement and nicely done with the two prongs engaging well within the brass lined apertures to the rear of the lid. The drawer has the original inlaid Mother of Pearl escutcheon. At some point in time a brass knob has been added….a sensible addition as the alternative is to use the key turned slightly in the lock when opening the drawer. That was a common feature on many antique boxes but often led to the escutcheon either working loose and go missing or the escutcheon being damaged. The interior of the box is entirely original and in extremely good condition. The drawer is constructed of solid mahogany with well crafted hand cut dovetailed joints for strength and stability. As with most antique work/sewing boxes it would make an excellent jewellery box. I confess to being slightly baffled by this item. The presence of a writing surface on a box void of sections for inkpots along with the lectern facility. Perhaps the recess beneath the lid was for writing accessories? Or was the recess for various other sewing/embroidery accessories and the lectern used to rest work in progress? Perhaps the lectern facility was added later? I doubt that. Regardless of the reason for the design it is a well made item that has had very little use and would serve well as a jewellery box and/or sewing box/writing box ……and always nice to offer something different’.