You are viewing a beautiful black grain leather Victorian despatch box by Wickwar Manufactures, Poland Street , London.

This stunning piece with its gilded brass (gilding has worn away on handle) drop handle original Chubb Lock and two original Chubb keys was once owned by Sir Walter Boyd 1st Baronet, who (28 January 1833 – 25 June 1918) was an Irish judge, who was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland.

Gilt stamped into the leather is his initials W.B.

This item was received from an estate purchase of descendants of the Boyd family.

A good large Victorian despatch box made by the famous manufacturer, Wickwar & Co. 6 Poland street, Manufacturers to H.M Stationery Office. A despatch box (alternatively dispatch box) is one of several types of boxes used in government business. Despatch boxes primarily include both those sometimes known as red boxes or ministerial boxes, which are used by the Sovereign and her ministers in the British government to securely transport sensitive documents, and boxes used in the lower houses of the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia. The term was used as early as the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, referring to a box used to carry an important message for the Queen. This example with chamfered top and tooled decoration, is inset with a large solid brass Campaign or military style handle which lies flat when not in use.

Condition report:

• This is a second-hand item that will show signs of use.
• Overall in very good order.
• Please see images for condition there are 4 small tears as shown to one side and some slight wear to corner of the box including light use marks on the body of box which is normal for the aged leather 
• Lock and keys work perfectly fine and the movement is also very smooth for age.
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Additional dimensions information:

• 40cm x 15cm x 28cm