Hand-decorated parquetry to the lid - compass star design within a circular feature. This type of geometric star inlay surrounded by a circular border is characteristic of 18th century Georgian writing boxes, so this item could be a stationery box, but could equally well have been a valuables box or work box during its lifetime

The metal loop key is typically Georgian in style. Kite shaped escutcheon. The key does turn the lock, but the keep in the lid is missing so the top cannot be locked

The lid rises to reveal an unfitted compartment lined with green baize. There is a period Georgian papier-mache snuff box, and a copy of 'The Courier' dated October 16th, 1813 within this compartment. There is a deliberately made hole next to the lock. This houses a metal pin (shown by the blue arrows). When inserted into the hole this pin locks the drawer, the top of the pin being housed within a notch on the underside of the lid

The drawer has dovetailed joints and is constructed from pine. It is lined with green baize

Attractive turned drawer knob

This item appears to be in stained pine to which polish has been added - it has a fantastic patination

Dimensions:

Width: 25.5cms

Depth: 19cms

Height: 11cms

Delivery (just to mainland UK) will be via Royal Mail's tracked 48 hour service

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