Small Antique English 18th Century Georgian Oak Sloped Writing / Stationery / Letter Box / Chest (Circa 1790)

Summary:

• Item: Oak Writing Box
• Circa: 1790
• Period: George III
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Solid oak
• 32cm / 12⅝” / 1ft 0⅝” wide
• Elegant shaped upstand
• Recessed pen storage area
• Writing slope
• Small upstand to prevent papers sliding
• Working brass hinges
• Working Bramah lock & key
• Internal storage area
• Original colour & patination
• Excellent condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns

 Description:

This is a delightful antique English 18th century Georgian solid oak writing box, featuring a sloped surface, with small proportions and a lovely colour, incorporating a working Bramah lock, circa 1790, in excellent condition.  The Georgian writing box is decorated with an elegant shaped upstand, with a recessed moulded “well” below, for storing pens (to avoid them sliding off the box) and a sloped hinged lid, which is large enough to accommodate letter or even a modern-day laptop!  At the foot of the oak writing box is a small moulded up-stand to prevent items sliding off the slope.  The hinged lid is secured by two brass hinges, which open to reveal a useful internal storage area, which is clean, dry, practical and usable. The interior also retains its original floorboards and backboards.  The sloped lid is secured by a high quality Bramah lock & working key; the interior would have been for storing valuables, as Bramah locks, at the time, were impenetrable!  The back of the box retains its original panels along with the original floor.  Overall, this Georgian oak writing box boasts a lovely rich original colour and patination.

History of Bramah Locks:

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 Georgian oak writing box would look great in a variety of rooms from the office, library or bedroom, for also storing valuable small items, jewellery or documents etc.  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.

Condition Report:

This is a delightful antique English 18th century Georgian solid oak writing box, featuring a sloped surface, with small proportions and a lovely colour, incorporating a working Bramah lock, circa 1790, in excellent condition.  The brass hinges are in good working condition and the interior is clean, dry, and usable.  The box retains its original lid, floor, sides and back. The sloped lid is secured by a high quality Bramah lock & working key; the interior would have been for storing valuables, as Bramah locks, at the time, were impenetrable!  The Georgian oak writing box boasts its original colour and patination to the exterior.  The oak box is solid in joint; it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height (Upstand) = 18.5cm / 7¼”
Width = 32cm / 12⅝” / 1ft 0⅝”
Depth = 33.5cm / 13¼” / 1ft 1¼”

The images displayed show a 14” laptop sitting on the writing box.

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Ref. 84081