1911-1919
WICKWAR & CO, 11 YORK ST. S.W.
A Red George V Red Leather Bound Parliamentary Despatch Box with brass swing side handle, the bevelled top stamped with the insignia of George V and BOARD OF AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES*.
The interior is black morocco leather lined, with raised walls & locating pins.
The lock is a Davis Patent', the design of which was patented in 1799 as an extra secure device for government dispatch boxes. The key is highly individual, needing directions to work the lock.
*George Davis of Windsor. Davis invented and patented, in 1799, a double chambered lock which was used on government dispatch boxes and other ministerial uses of the time.
George came from a long line of skilled Davis's looking after, repairing and replacing, the clocks, locks and other metalwork in and around Windsor. In fact for several generations held the royal warrant to look after the locks in Windsor Castle.
The patent, No. 2306 dated 11th April1799, describes it as "a double chambered lock with cylinders, to which pins are attached in different directions instead of wards." It also goes on to explain that the outer keyhole configuration would give no indication of the inner or second chamber keyhole.
In fact it seems likely that these locks were only used for government purposes, no examples have been so far found that were in general use.
* The Board of Agriculture & Fisheries existed from 1903 to 1919 until it became Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries.
Width: 16 inches / 40.5 centimetres
Height: 3.5 inches / 9 centimetres
Depth: 11 inches / 28 centimetres
