Gothic Revival Coromandel and Brass Bound Desktop Stationery Cabinet, Set of 5

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Coromandel and brass bound gothic revival desktop stationery cabinet


victorian coromandel and brass bound gothic revival desktop stationery cabinet by … Read more Coromandel and brass bound gothic revival desktop stationery cabinet


victorian coromandel and brass bound gothic revival desktop stationery cabinet by h greaves ltd of new street birmingham befit with prestigious lock maker bramah (of london) lock

a handsome antique victorian gothic revival desktop stationery cabinet, beautifully constructed from richly figured coromandel and extensively mounted with decorative brass fittings.

dating from the second half of the 19th century, the cabinet displays the architectural influence associated with the victorian gothic revival, combining the deep, luxurious colouring and distinctive grain of coromandel with contrasting brass mounts and bindings.

designed as an elegant gentleman's or lady's desktop companion, the cabinet would originally have been used for the organised storage of correspondence, writing papers and stationery. Its compact architectural form makes it particularly attractive displayed on a period writing desk, library table or contemporary executive desk.

the coromandel has developed a wonderfully rich colour and character through age, while the brass detailing provides an attractive contrast and reinforces the cabinet's distinctly victorian appearance.

a decorative and increasingly difficult-to-find piece of 19th-century desk furniture, combining practical storage with the craftsmanship and architectural styling of the gothic revival period.

portable boxes for writing materials had existed for many centuries and in many cultures. However it was not until the last decades of the 18th century that the socio-economic circumstances in england necessitated the wide use of a portable desk in the form of a box which could be used on a table or on one's lap. Hence "lap desk".

although quality, ornament and form did play an important part in its selection as a personal item, it is the purpose for which it was used which gave prominence to the writing box, at a time of expanding intellectual curiosity, communication, literacy and increased commercial activity. The writing box was an item of style and fashion yes, but it was also an item connected with intelligence, commerce and world awareness.

from the end of the 18th, to the end of the 19th century, the writing box featured prominently on military expeditions, travels, libraries and in drawing rooms. Great literature as well as dispatches, contracts, letters and postcards were written on its sloping surface. Through it both business and personal activity were transacted. Unlike the writing desk or table it was a personal and not a household possession.

item will include a new notepad pad, quill pen (modern)
unfortunately no key as shown, as keys cannot be made by locksmiths for bramah locks, they are specialist keys made individually for each lock bramah produced back in the day. Hence why, any bramah lock is a rare commodity in todays society.
this does not effect the use of this product in anyway, as the lid closes smoothly without a key present.
two glass inkwells as shown in the imagery.

h. Greaves (henry greaves): 35 & 36 new street, birmingham, uk
were a notable victorian and edwardian maker and retailer of high-quality leather goods, travel accessories, and luxury wooden boxes.
they operated from addresses including 35 & 36 new street, birmingham.
greaves flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (c. 1890–1910s).
pieces bearing the h. Greaves retailer or maker's mark often feature premium materials like oak, fine leather, and brass mountings. See less