A lovely leather covered writing box dating to the late 19th / early 20th century with its original key. It has an inset carrying handle on the top and there is a metal escutcheon on the front of the box.
The box opens to reveal a writing pad and a piece of blotting paper lining the lid. It also has a small lidded compartment and a glass inkwell. The lid folds down to provide a sloped surface to write on over the blotting paper. The bottom part of the box also lifts up to provide a storage section and a useful series of letter racks / pen holders.
There is an old document in the box relating to the British India Steam Navigation Company which could give some clues to its original use.
The box is in good condition for its age however it has been used and there are signs of age. The leather has worn on the edges and corners and there are some small losses. The lock works and comes with its original key. Inside, it is generally clean and tidy with a few small marks and signs of use but nothing detrimental. Overall the box displays very well and is certainly a nice usable item.
