Description Hungarian ash stationery box by Howell James & Co, of domed form and veneered throughout in figured ash, finished with bold brass strapping and porcelain mounted decoration. The exterior is defined by the use of Hungarian ash, chosen for its distinctive grain and tonal variation across the surface. The domed lid is secured with wide brass straps which extend across the body, adding both structure and contrast against the lighter timber. Set within the ends of the front strapping are circular porcelain plaques decorated with blue enamel cherub scenes, repeated again to the centre of the lid within a shaped brass mount. Opening the box reveals a fitted interior lined in blue silk paper, arranged with compartments for letters, documents and writing implements. The interior layout remains practical and well proportioned, retaining its original purpose as a desk or travel stationery box. To the rear, the retailer’s plaque for Howell James & Co of Regent Street, London is present, identifying the firm as one of the leading London retailers of luxury goods during the nineteenth century. The stationery box dates to the Victorian period and remains a strong example of late nineteenth century retail work combining decorative materials with functional design. The box is complete with a working lock and tasselled key. View the full Writing Box Collection. View the full Boxes Collection. Howell James & Company were jewellers and silversmiths based from Regent Street in London between 1819 and 1911. In 1876 they added galleries showing professional art pottery and the fashionable amateur china painting and immediately became the main London venue for this. They were known to stock manufactured items as retailers adding their names to many pieces created by students and designs of the South Kensington School. In 1884 the company became a limited company and their name changed to Howell & James Ltd. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Howell James & Company. Ash also known as White Ash, grows in Europe and North America. It is cream-yellow in colour with subtle grain patterns which can have a ripple effect. Ash Burr is rare to be clean and often shows marks from ingrown bark and knots. Often as Olive trees mature they can develop a darker yellow-brown colour. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Hungarian Ash. 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.
