Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp with Secret Drawers

Description Rosewood writing box by William Chrisp, of rectangular form with extensive brass inlay and a fitted interior incorporating concealed drawers. The exterior is veneered in rosewood and edged in brass, with scrolling brass inlay across each panel in a boulle style arrangement, framed by fine brass stringing. The lid is fitted with a vacant initial plaque, while the front retains a barrel shaped escutcheon. Flush mounted campaign style carry handles are fitted to each side. Opening the box reveals a black leather writing slope with gold tooled borders and brass stringing to the facing. The upper section is arranged with two inkwells, a pen tray and a lidded compartment. Beneath the slope are storage compartments accessed from both sections via central tabs. The interior retains the maker’s label for William Chrisp, Writing and Dressing Case Manufacturer, Cockspur Street, London and 49 New Bond Street, identifying the firm as a known London retailer of writing boxes during the early nineteenth century. A concealed mechanism is housed beneath the upper section. By removing the right hand inkwell and depressing the internal wall, a spring loaded front is released, revealing three hidden drawers, a feature associated with higher quality examples of the period. The writing box is fitted with a Bramah lock signed J Bramah and includes a Georgian sterling silver inkwell dated 1818. The box is complete with working locks and tasselled keys. View the full Writing Box Collection. View the full Boxes Collection. William Chrisp William Chrisp was a dressing case and writing box manufacture operating from 39 (changed to 34 in 1820) Cockspur Street, London and 49 New Bond Street, London. Chrisp business established circa 1800-1837 and he was known for high quality designed boxes using good materials. There is little information regarding his career and it is quite likely that he worked with or was bought out by Edwards due to the similarity in boxes. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on William Chrisp. 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. Rosewood Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, also known as Bombay Rosewood or Bombay Blackwood, is found in India and Indonesia. It is highly valued for its striking appearance with colours ranging from a medium-brown to dark red-brown with even darker grain lines. Madagascan Rosewood, found in Madagascar is a pink-brown colour with a darker almost purple grain. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Rosewood. Regency  The regency period is an era of British history between 1811 and 1820. The Regency era was initiated by King George III first suffered a debilitating illness in the late 1780s. He relapsed into his mental illness in 1810 and by the Regency Act in 1811 his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed prince regent to discharge royal functions. When George III died in 1820, the Prince Regent succeeded him as George IV. 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.