TOOLED LEATHER WRITING BOX
Probably English, early 20th century

15 13/16" D x 19 7/8" W x 1 1/2" H

A fabulous and most convenient folding letter box dressed in tooled leather with gilt borders and decorative corner motifs. The case opens to reveal a fitted interior lined with moiré silk and a central writing surface of replaced green baize. The top has a small hinged compartment for storing pens while the folding side leaves have folder slots to keep papers and letters. Compact in form, the box would have served both as a portable desk and as an elegant accessory for correspondence. Today it is a brilliant solution for bill management - there is nothing better than writing the few checks and letters in style and a box like this is a compact way to keep your stamps, envelopes, stationary and possibly even your checkbook tidy and contained.

Condition: Light surface wear, discoloration including both lightening and darkening to leather, scattered stains, minor losses to the edges (notable in the corners), some lifting to the leather; stains to the silk; baize is replaced.

ref. 509ZMO05P