Despatch Box From Parkins & Gotto

A combined leather on softwood Despatch and Writing Box marked Parkins & Gotto.

The box has a lift out tray with a desk tidy area to the left consisting of an inkwell and a cushioned pen tray with a divided space below. Next to it is a large compartment for papers. Below the tray is a plain well for further papers etc. To the interior of the lid is a board fitted with compartments to hold various sizes of stationery with belt loops to the front to hold pens and rulers etc. This board has a release catch so that it will drop forward for easier access with a stop to prevent it falling too far.

The gilt brass metalware is all engraved from the campaign handle to the top to the exceptional, long hinge and the lock etc. This detail along with the Bramah lock (which has a replaced key) is a sign of the box's good quality. The box is subtly decorated with blind tramlines of differing sizes to the top and edges. In 1860, Parkins & Gotto were awarded The Society of Arts's silver medal for their writing case. Whether it was this exact design or not, we do not know but it shows that the company sought recognition for the quality of their stock.

Parkins & Gotto were a very successful business during the 2nd half of the 19th century, selling a wide range of items. More can be read on them in our catalogue Departure Of The 6th or on this website by clicking on their name to the top right. Their gilt stamped label to the box notes 'Parkins & Gotto Manufacturer 25 Oxford Street'. This address suggests that the box was made before 1860 when they added 24 Oxford Street to their premises. Circa 1860.