ELEGANT ANTIQUE FRENCH FITTED WRITING BOX

A handsome and exceptionally fine mid-19th century writing box displaying premier workmanship. 

Benchcrafted of exotic rosewood veneer with elaborately cut brass decorative inlay and shield escutcheon plate.  Handmade self-stopping hinges.  Functional lock with key.  Interior of cover upholstered with silk floral damask.  Box with divided compartments of red lacquered wood.  Silk covered lids for wells (with red sealing wax) flanking a blown glass inkwell with domed silver top.  Narrow rear and front slots designed for 6" dip / quill (or calligraphy) pens.  

This rare box is in fine original condition, absent significant damage.  

After cleaning and polishing brass inlay with a specialty cloth, I applied eight coats of traditional British Briwax.  The first six layers with dark brown paste wax; final coats of colorless wax.  Each coat was hand rubbed.  Clear wax was heated to liquefy, applied cross-grain and buffed to achieve a satin smooth semi-closed pore deep lustrous finish highlighting beautiful rosewood grain and colors.  All that's required to maintain the finish is dusting.        

2 1/8" high, 7 3/8" wide, 3 1/4" deep

conscientiously packed and shipped worldwide