Very Rare Georgian Duplicating – Writing Box. Many Features. C1812

This is no doubt one of, if not the rarest writing boxes available on this website and a considerable rarity on the web. I have scanned the web and at the time of listing the box could only find two examples currently on offer…one at £105,560 (somewhat optimistic pricing) and another similar in many aspects to this box at £5900. . The item warrants a long and detailed description. If interested in purchasing please request a full description. Please note the price in my opinion is a bargain and the price is non negotiable. This box is certainly one of the rarest writing boxes that I have come across over the course of 20 years of antique box collecting/trading. Nigh on maximum support and protection to the carcass due to being Fully brass edge bound. Large, ornate cartouche and escutcheon. Side ‘sprung’ drawer with hand cut dovetail joints. Solid mahogany carcass veneered with Thick rosewood with attractive grain. Lid closes square and true. Inlaid side handles. All exterior brassware bar a small degree of replaced brass edging to the bottom right side is original and complete. All exterior veneer original and complete. All interior brassware bar the solid brass side locking rods and replaced hinges are original and complete. Lock clearly stamped Thompson Bir.M. Patent Gr + Crown stamps. The key supplied proves that the mechanism works as it should but it is best not to use and get another cut and as always, I recommend never to use a key on any antique lock so as to preserve the mechanism. The patent was granted in 1808. Office section of quite standard layout and includes possibly the original large brass ‘travelling’ inkpot in excellent condition. Please note the brass inlays to the corners, to the surrounds of the brass rods, the twin sliding slope clasps and the surrounds to the apertures to both sides of the lock…all original, all with nice finishing touches of brass roundels to the tips. The apertures are for the Original brass candle sconces, each comprising of two parts. The large sloping writing surface has had a replacement felt fitted at some time….in keeping with the original surface. Note that the material does not extend across the main hinge line, instead both sections are completely ‘framed’ by wood borders….a pity that the practice was not continued as it certainly prevents the usual wear across the centre line that is the main cause of damage/loss of the boards. Both boards have jointed sides for strength and durability. Webbing to the underside of one section with some restoration to the webbing done in a sympathetic manner. Twin mahogany small drawers with beautifully cut Tiny dovetail joints. I believe that there was once a concealing panel that was released by pressing on the bottom front edge of the left side of the inkwell section that accommodates the inkpot. The possible reason for the missing cover is due to a ‘protective cover’ relating to The rarest feature of this box….namely it features a copying/duplicating fitting. To the front right of the box exterior is an original brass cap that when unscrewed allows a replacement cranked key to engage a spindle. When the locking rod to the right interior side is removed and the cranked key is turned twin brass rollers turn and a slide comes out and can be wound back in. The mechanism was invented by James Watt and a patent applied for in 1780. It was the worlds First copying/ duplicating machine!!There is a huge amount of information re’ the invention available on the web and some comprehensive instructions re’ the method of copying will be included with the box. The rollers work well and the slide moves in and out freely. I have seen a few details of other examples I have yet to see an identical box. Unpacked weight 10Kg