Spectacular & rare antique Victorian or Napoleon III era 9.75" stationery or writer's box, casket with exquisitely ornate boulle inlays on all sides, unique Georgian style canted shaping and original fitted interior with removable "Pens" & "Vignettes" tooled leather compartments! Isn't this one gorgeous! A few flaws yes but somewhat inevitable given the materials used and age. This shape is really more Georgian than Victorian but these marvelous boulle inlaid pieces spanned both eras. A paper maker label on an inside divider reads "Halstaff and Hannaford, Manufacturers 228 Regent St.". William Halstaff started his business in 1825 at 68 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, London, later moving it in 1838 to 228 Regent Street, London as Halstaff & Co. In 1842, William Halstaff went into partnership with Thomas Charles Hannaford and the business became known as Halstaff & Hannaford. They mutually dissolved their partnership in 1858, however, the business continued trading under their name until 1898. In the same year, the business name was changed to Halstaff & Co, and it remained at the 228 Regent Street address until its final closure in 1908. With the partnership history, this piece would have to date between 1842 to 1898 when the name was changed. A glorious piece, don't miss it!
Good to very good condition. As you can see in the images, there are a few losses to the brass and fewer to the red tortoise shell inlay, a few 'lifts' to the brass and some secured with tiny brass nails. The interior has all of the original dividers save for two small sections in the second to last space that would have divided it front to back. Working lock & key. See pictures for all measurements.
