Measures 18" wide, 15" deep and 9" tall when closed.
This is a rare example of a beautiful antique colonial Camphor wood brass bound military roll top metamorphic writing box, circa 1850, in excellent condition.
The box boasts a ¾” brass binding to the corner edges, a central brass plaque to the fall, flush brass inset carrying handles to the sides, with one smaller brass inset handle to the front lower drawer.
The lower drawer features a working lock and key. The fall and the front of the box incorporates ebonised string inlay. There is a stunning grain configuration and colour to the wood on the fall and front of the writing box.
As the lower drawer is pulled open, this activates the roll top mechanism at the top of the box to slide back to reveal a pop-up cabinet. Opening the front fall reveals a sloping writing station which has been lined with green baize.
The interior features the original “straight edge” circular wooden ruler (used for writing) along with a variety of inkwells and a central removable pen tray. A secret compartment can be accessed by lifting up the top edge of the baize.
Lifting the cabinet upwards, until the wooden spring levers either side lock it into place, locks the pop-up section to reveal a bank of pigeonholes. Pressing the side levers inwards lowers the pop-up section.
Such a writing box would have been used in the British colonies, either on land or sea.
The fact that it is constructed of camphor wood suggests its origin is Indian and most likely commissioned for a high-ranking British Officer who would have used this box during the period of the Raj. All quality colonial artefacts were usually constructed of camphor wood.
This box is a truly classic example from the Victorian period in colonial India or the Eastern colonies such as Singapore or Hong Kong. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see such an example, which is in excellent condition.
Measures 18" wide, 15" deep and 9" tall when closed.
This is a rare example of a beautiful antique colonial Camphor wood brass bound military roll top metamorphic writing box, circa 1850, in excellent condition.
The box boasts a ¾” brass binding to the corner edges, a central brass plaque to the fall, flush brass inset carrying handles to the sides, with one smaller brass inset handle to the front lower drawer.
The lower drawer features a working lock and key. The fall and the front of the box incorporates ebonised string inlay. There is a stunning grain configuration and colour to the wood on the fall and front of the writing box.
As the lower drawer is pulled open, this activates the roll top mechanism at the top of the box to slide back to reveal a pop-up cabinet. Opening the front fall reveals a sloping writing station which has been lined with green baize.
The interior features the original “straight edge” circular wooden ruler (used for writing) along with a variety of inkwells and a central removable pen tray. A secret compartment can be accessed by lifting up the top edge of the baize.
Lifting the cabinet upwards, until the wooden spring levers either side lock it into place, locks the pop-up section to reveal a bank of pigeonholes. Pressing the side levers inwards lowers the pop-up section.
Such a writing box would have been used in the British colonies, either on land or sea.
The fact that it is constructed of camphor wood suggests its origin is Indian and most likely commissioned for a high-ranking British Officer who would have used this box during the period of the Raj. All quality colonial artefacts were usually constructed of camphor wood.
This box is a truly classic example from the Victorian period in colonial India or the Eastern colonies such as Singapore or Hong Kong. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see such an example, which is in excellent condition.
