Stationery Box by F. Waller

A brass bound mahogany Stationery Box.

A good cut of figured mahogany was used for the sloped top of the box which also has inset, rounded brass strap corners and an unused brass engraving plate. Brass straps have also been inset to the side corners of the box and a brass plate with cut out corners used as an escutcheon. The box retains its key. The interior is fitted with a number of dividers across its width to organise different sizes of stationery. With the lid open, the pin can be removed to access the unusual side drawer to the box. This drawer has a small campaign handle to the front and interior fitted with a removable pen tray with divided compartments below and two sections to the front. This design is a little unusual and perhaps inspired by the side drawers on writing slopes and those on Davenports.

A green paper label giving the maker's name 'F. Waller, Stationer & Bookseller, 49 Fleet Street' is fixed to the lid interior. The label also notes that Waller sold 'Envelope Cases & Stationery Stores' and 'Drawing Boxes & Artists Materials'. The design of the box is a little unusual and the quality of the box is very good. Circa 1840.