This is an antique miniature desktop SAFE for a lady or gent of the Victorian - Edwardian period. It could well have been bought by an officer for taking on a military campaign as well.
The outside of the box when it is closed looks like it would hold a carriage clock or scientific instrument but when opening the door which has a vintage replacement plastic handle on it you will see the beautiful interior.
The outside of the box first. It is pine by the look of it with a carriage clock like brass handle on the very top. The front has the vintage knob attached which is not original. The centre of the door you can see it is a brass stuck out keyhole which reminds me of a Bramah type.
Open the door to see a full length brass hinge.
It has 4 fitted drawers inside that have small drop brass handles in perfect condition.
Black leather fronts with gilt writing labelled GOLD - KEYS - NOTES - SILVER along with a leather bound narrow book which says CASH ACCOUNTS and another leather bound notebook to the left.
These drawers are made of hardwood probably teak or mahogany. All fit well and slide in and out no problem.
The back of the door, you can see there has been 2 silky material flaps glued on at a later date. These are not original to the box as you can see the central brass lock behind but I cannot see the name on it so cannot be sure it is a Bramah, but it looks like one from the front. These two green silk flaps have ink staining all over them and it would look better with these removed really. I leave items alone, just as they come in to me.
The notebook is the only piece I can see with any names or branding on.
It is branded Fawcett, Preston, & Co. Limd. which was a company who specialised in marine engineering. Someone has written the dates 1932 at the top of the page in the booklet.
I believe this miniature desktop safe is quite a bit older than 1932 though. That just happens to be dated inside.
There are two keys in the keys drawer but these are not the key for the front.
This box is worthy of some slight restoration and what a fabulous box it is.
Please see close-up photographs provided for more details and visual confirmation of condition for yourself.
Condition report: Normal signs of age and use wear including some surface scuffs and minor impact marks etc.
This little set of drawers was obviously used quite often - the joins are loosened and the surface is covered in scratches and little knocks.
The green material inside is stained with ink where it was used as a pen holder.
The booklets have both been written in, but only a few pages.
The booklets have both been written in, but only a few pages.
It measures approx. 7 inches tall x 6 inches wide x 4 inches deep. It weighs approx. 900 grams.
My stock ref : #LVT/10224/P380 in main cabinet.
Postage policies:
I use the eBay Global Shipping Programme for most of my items as this allows me to send items internationally that I would normally only be able to offer to UK buyers. Items sent under this system are fully insured the shipping price also includes any customs duties.
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Combined postage for multiple items:
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However only these item must be in the cart at this time and will have to be added in and purchased within a certain timeframe. If you have any other items in your basket the system will be unable to combine the order."
If this automated system does not apply the postage discount for you, please send me an eBay message and I will do my best to try and combine the shipping costs for you.
If you see A/F = a/f in the title or description it means "as found" condition which may have scuffs, scratches and damage. In relation to all my listings it does not mean " about fine ". I have used A/F for " as found " for 45 years.