NEEDS & CO. LATE BRAMAH, 100 NEW BOND ST. W.
An Edwardian Red Morocco Leather Despatch Box, the depth expanding, accordian style, as the contents increase. The interior is lined with black morocco leather and there is an expanding wallet fixed to the reverse of the lid. The maker's name & address appear tooled on the front of the wallet, and also engraved on the front of the Bramah Patent lock. The key is a replacement.
Weight 0.66 kg
Dimensions 25.5 x 17.5 x 3.5 cm
The back of the Despatch Case is stamped in gold with the address 45 Portland Place, London, W. The Adam built Portland Place was one of London's most desirable addresses in the 19th century. Number 45 was the London residence of Henry Arthur Blyth and his family. Blyth, and his wider family, were owners of Gilbey wine merchants. Although Henry died in January 1901 his widow was still living at the address in 1912. It is now the Kenya High Commission.
The initials A.C.B. on the front were those of Henry Arthur Blyth's son, Capt. A. C. Blyth who served with the Norfolk Regiment during the 1st World War.