Colonial Best Metamorphic Military Writing Table

Antique Colonial Best Metamorphic Mahogany Military Writing Table (Circa 1900)

This is a very unusual, rare and superb quality antique colonial best metamorphic mahogany military writing table, circa 1900.

Summary
• Item Metamorphic Writing Table
• Circa 1900
• Period Late Victorian / Edwardian
• Provenance America
• Cabinet maker Best
• Wood Solid mahogany
• Size 2ft 2¾” wide x 1ft 5¼” deep
• Attaché case crocodile effect lining
• Metamorphic hinged table top
• Multiple interior compartments
• Multiple stationery holders (pens, clips etc.)
• Hinged letter tray compartment
• Hand dovetailed drawer
• Mahogany drawer linings (sign of quality)
• 2 working Bramah locks & key
• Original brass drop down handles & escutcheons
• Splayed legs
• Connecting stretcher
• Stunning colour
• Extremely functional
• Excellent condition
• Very rare
• Free 14 day UK returns policy

This is a very unusual, rare and superb quality antique colonial metamorphic mahogany military writing table, circa 1900, designed and constructed by a company called “Best”. Used in the British colonies, this table was designed for travelling but also to provide a good quality and high specification mobile writing base. The interior is lined with attaché case crocodile effect lining. The shaped top is hinged and opens up to reveal a forward extending writing base flanked by a plethora of writing tools and compartments. To detail a few, it boasts a stationery holder to house pens either side of the writing base. In front of the writing base is a bank of drawers with brushed steel drop down handles and escutcheons and above is stamped the cabinetmakers name “Best”. Further above is a hinged multiple letter trays which houses a ruler / letter opener. In front of the letter trays, there are two picture frames where photos of loved ones could be displayed. Behind the letter tray are two useful brushed steel sprung clips. Below the writing table is a useful pullout hand dovetailed mahogany drawer lined drawer, which has also been lined with attaché case crocodile effect lining. Both the writing compartment and drawer feature the original working high quality bramah locks. The table is supported by four pretty shaped legs, which are connected by a cross-stretcher for added strength. This is a truly classic design from the late Edwardian period. All in all, this is a very pretty and superb quality-writing table.

The following provides further details and history of the famous Bramah locks “In 1784, Joseph Bramah designed a round lock mechanism operated by a tubular key, of such complexity and security, that he put it in his shop window and offered a reward of 200 guineas to anyone who could open it. In 1851, at the Great Exhibition in London, A.C Hobbs an American locksmith spent 52 hours spread over 16 days and claimed the prize, but the method and spirit under which it was claimed is commented on by the London Times under the heading of ‘the Great Lock Controversy” (source http//www.bramah.co.uk/default.asp?lnc=bramah_locks)

This item would compliment any home, office or library and is ideal as either a library table writing table or desk or even a dressing table. So, don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture!

Dimensions:
External height = 82.9cm or 32½” or 2ft 8½”
External width (feet) = 68cm or 26¾” or 2ft 2¾”
External width (body) = 64.5cm or 25½” or 2ft 1½”
External depth = 43.7cm or 17¼” or 1ft 5¼”
Writing height = 82.9cm or 32¾” or 2ft 8¾”
Knee height =72.5cm or 28½” or 2ft 4½”