Georgian Mahogany Campaign Cabinet

A mahogany Cabinet Box, fitted with pigeonholes and likely for letters.

This box was obviously made to be transported and may have been one of a number used to deliver mail. The interior is fitted with three banks of three pigeonholes and one larger bank of two. The number 3 is painted to both sides above the flush campaign carrying handles and to the top for easy identification.

The box is very well made with good, inset brass corners and straps and open dovetails. The top has a lock stamped Hobbs & Co. with an additional sprung lock, opened by a slide a catch, alongside it. For use, the box is turned so that the top becomes the front and when opened it acts as a surface held by two brass quadrants The marks to the box, and the swan neck carrying handle to the front, suggest that it may have fitted into a large packing case. The number 3 points to it being one of a number of other similar mailboxes, possibly all fitting into the same case. The lines would have been made by the pulling the box out and pushing it back into an outer case.

This is an interesting, unusual campaign box and has an earlier feel than the Hobbs lock dates it. Alfred Hobbs registered the name Hobbs & Co. in 1852 before the name changed to Hobbs, Ashley & Co. in 1855. Mid 19th Century.