A Red Mid-Victorian Morocco Leather Despatch Box with swing handle at one side. Three sides and top bear the insignia of Queen Victoria. The rear side of the box is inscribed ‘FOREIGN OFFICE’ with the date 1866. There is a black label on the front bevel bearing two initials, the first illegible, the second being the letter ‘D’
The black leather lined interior features strong hinges with concealed screws. The lock is a fine quality 19th century replacement with a hand cut key. A rare feature of a despatch box this early is the pair of studs in the inner rim, the purpose of this is to hold in place labels with the destination instructions outside the box after it has been locked closed. This avoids opening the box during transit
Dimensions
38 x 25 x 12 cm