Summary:
• Item: Writing / Jewellery Box
• Circa: 1880
• Provenance: India
• Period: Mid Victorian
• Wood: Teak
• Used as a travelling box
• Brass strapping to exterior
• Floral shaped brass marquetry to the lid and front
• Oval shaped brass faux keyhole escutcheon
• Original brass hinges
• 6 Internal compartments (4 lockable hinged lids)
• Black leather writing surface to top of centre-front lid
• Internal secret lockable compartment
• Original polish & patination
• Good condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns period
Description:
This is a fine quality antique Victorian colonial teak & brass campaign writing box, possibly used by the Raj or British military in India, with a secret locking internal compartment, circa 1880, in good condition. It would also be useful as a travelling box, used for storing jewellery etc. The exterior of the box incorporates brass strapping to the lid and body. The front of the box features a faux keyhole, decorated with an oval shaped brass escutcheon. The box opens to reveal a total of six compartments. The centre-rear and all three forward compartments boast working locks (with a working key), while the lid to the centre-front compartment also features a brand-new black leather with gold tooling, providing a surface to write upon. The three other locking compartment lids include oval brass swivelling keyhole covers. A further, secret compartment can be accessed by poking a narrow rod (supplied) through a hole which can be found in the floor of the centre-rear compartment; this will release a sprung-loaded catch and a removable door will swing open (see photos and video). This hidden compartment would be ideal for the storage of valuables such as jewellery.
This box is a beautiful and truly classic example from the late Victorian period in colonial India and is decorative and practical.
The box features a mellow teak colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms from the office to the bedroom. This item would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it’s extremely functional. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely antique piece.
Condition Report:
The box is in good original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Nominal old use marks to the exterior and leading edges of the box, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There is no missing brass strapping and no missing compartments to the box. The four lockable internal compartments retain the original working locks (there is a working key). The box incorporates a new leather writing surface. The original brass hinges are also in good working order. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 14.6cm or 5¾”
Width = 43.3cm or 17” or 1ft 5”
Depth = 27.2cm or 10¾”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. Box 27