Fantastic antique English Victorian to Edwardian era 12 1/4" desk top smoker's chest or cigar presenter in solid oak with brass accents, mechanical lid opening when drawer is pulled and two medallions reading "Windsor & Eton Regatta 1902" and "Scratch Eights P.J. Odell, Bow"! Ok, the Victorian era actually transitioned to the Edwardian era in 1901 so this one is just on the cusp. The brass cartouches engraved, one with "Windsor & Eton Regatta 1902" and the other with "Scratch Eights, P.J. Odell, Bow" meaning the piece was a rowing award or trophy of sorts I'm sure. Regattas on the River Thames at Windsor were longstanding events tied to Eton College and local rowing culture. These annual boating regattas were traditionally held on the Thames at Windsor and were early forms of competitive rowing events in the area, going back into the 19th century. They were part of community sporting life and often drew crews from local clubs and schools. Prince Edward and Prince George of Wales, sons of Queen Victoria, attended the 1902 Windsor Eaton Regatta and I've included a copy of newspaper drawing/picture with caption. Very interesting!
An interior mechanism raises the front canted or sloped lid when the drawer is pulled out (see video) and the inside edge of the drawer is marked "Rd 371192" if I'm reading it correctly. Spaces for cigars in the upper compartments and in the drawer beneath, centered in the drawer are a space for matches, a center striker and front ash tray or spent match dish. All of the reticulated brass accenting is original, it appears to originally have had a silvered or silver plated finish but it's worn in most areas (giving it even more visual appeal in my opinion). A very unique piece with a bit of history, don't miss it!
Very good condition, age considered. As mentioned, there is wear to the original silvered or silver plated finish on the brass accents, there are also small sections of the pierced or reticulated brass on the side handles (see pictures). No structural damage to the box, as you can see it's gorgeous in solid old growth European oak. The lid/drawer mechanism works smoothly and it does have a working lock with old skeleton key. See pictures for all measurements.
