On offer is this stunning antique mother of pearl inlaid travelling writing casket.
Please see below to for many more photographs.
Measuring approximately 14" tall, 34" wide and 10¼" deep.
The outside is covered in mother of pearl inlay, beautifully done, a couple of very minor pieces are missing, clearly seen in the photographs below. There are two 'handles' either side, one of which is chipped. The box sits upon four 'bun' turned feet. If cleaned, this would simply 'gleam' and sparkle, just like new.
The top section opens upwards, to display compartments within the main body and the 'lid' beautifully lined with silk, a fabulous carved mother of pearl 'button' holding the silk bands across light padding into which I imagine love letters were once cherished and placed securely between the silk bands. There is a catch, easily opening to display a folder to hold stationery.
The top 'false' drawer contains an array of little sections into which to put things, the most interesting are the sections with 'covers'. Firstly the two which have bows of silk on them slide out, they open into little 'books' of felt into which I believe little 'stamps' may have been kept. The large "covered" section can be taken off and nestled inside the compartment are two boxes containing nibs of various sizes by Hinks Wells and Co. There are two further sections with covers having small mother of pearl buttons detailing.
The second 'drawer' pulls out, it contains a section lined in red flock with a circular area to the center, which can be lifted out. A lady would keep her precious jewels within these padded sections.
The third drawer pulls out and holds further areas into which items can be kept.
The fourth and last drawer holds two glass ink holders, a piece of wood which has had the mother of pearl broken off, the piece is still within the box however. I believe that this would have been the 'blotter' and had a semi-circular 'pad' beneath it, this is missing. It may be that it is simply the 'lid' for the area for the keeping of pens. The writing 'slope' folds out from this drawer, showing a secret compartment beneath it.
Letter of Provenance:-
There is a letter of provenance, which was written to the last owner explaining that this box was given to a lady named Maude Moorman who was a court dressmaker between the wars. Maude had completed some needlework for a neighbour who could not afford the five shillings to pay for the work to be done. Maude was offered this box as payment for her work, which she accepted.
You may see other items within the photographs, this auction is for the ABOVE MENTIONED ITEM only- the remainder can be seen in my other items (click the link below).
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