Coromandel Writing Box by Fisher with Secret Compartment

Description Coromandel writing box by Fisher of 188 Strand, of rectangular form edged in brass with a fitted interior, featuring a concealed spring loaded drawer compartment. The exterior is veneered in coromandel, a dense and highly figured hardwood favoured for high quality writing boxes of the nineteenth century. The surface is framed with brass edging and stringing to the lid and front, with a circular brass initial plaque mounted to the top alongside a matching circular escutcheon. The box is fitted with flush campaign style loop handles to each side, reinforcing its intended use as a portable writing case. Opening the box reveals a dark red leather writing slope with blind and gold tooled borders. The interior is faced in coromandel with brass strengthening to the corners, and arranged with a practical layout including twin crown top inkwells, a removable pen tray and additional compartments, one with a fitted lid. Beneath the slope are satinwood lined storage compartments accessed from both the upper and lower sections, each with a central tab. Both interior lids are stamped with the retailer’s mark for Fisher, 188 Strand, London. A concealed mechanism is housed beneath the left hand compartment. By removing the pin and engaging the release within the lock plate, a spring loaded section is triggered, revealing a hidden compartment fitted with three drawers, a feature typical of higher quality writing boxes of the period. The writing box dates to the mid nineteenth century. The box is complete with a working lock and tasselled key. View the full Writing Box Collection. View the full Boxes Collection. Fisher Samuel Fisher was established in 1838 by Samuel Fisher and traded out of 188 Strand, London. The sold a wide range of items from travelling bags and trunks to billiard tables and stoves. Samuel died on 9th March 1890 and the business was passed onto his sons Robert Edward and Charles Alfred. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Fisher. Bramah Bramah is London’s oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Fitzrovia, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah manufactures Bramah and Rola locks for domestic and commercial applications in the U.K. and overseas. We are Marylebone and Fitzrovia’s foremost Locksmith and Burglar Alarm installer. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Bramah. Coromandel Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel. Satinwood Satinwood is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich golden colour and an almost reflective sheen. Satinwood is traditionally used for high quality furniture. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Satinwood. Victorian The Victorian period is an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.