C 1880
A late Victorian swirly grained Mahogany Writing Box, with brass campaign side handles, and fine brass quadrants on all edges, with brass lines on the top & front enclosing bands of rosewood. A flush brass roundel bearing the engraved coat of arms of The Marquess of Abergavenny* appears in the centre. The writing surface retains its original black leather lining, embossed with a tiny diamond design and and framed with several lines of complex tooling. Other features include a pair of ink bottles with brass screw tops, a removable pen tray with central handle, and a folding brass prop and detachable wood ledge, to enable the box to be used as a book rest. A sprung panel below the upper writing surface hides two secret drawers. These are accessed by means of a cleverly hidden touch point.
The Bramah lock retains its original key.
* A previous owner of the box has made enquiries regarding the coat of arms on the writing box, and the detailed reply from Portcullis Pursuivant of the College of Arms is included.
Width: 14.5 inches / 37 centimetres
Height: 4.75 inches / 12 centimetres
Depth: 10 inches / 25 centimetres
