Superb rosewood writing slope by Edwards, London

A superb early Victorian rosewood writing slope by Edwards, London. The whole box banded in military style brass, the front and top with further brass string inlays, the sides with military style flush fitting carry handles. The top has a central engraved cartouche.

The box opens to reveal a fully fitted interior with re-lined slope in burgundy red leather, the top of the slope opens via a clip in the lock keep to reveal a document storage area, the underside of the slope with original silk ribbon and label for Edwards, manufacturer to the King, 21 King Street, corner of Orange Street, facing Bloomsbury square.

The oppposite side is fitted with original rosewood & brass inlaid pen tray and compartment lid  and remarkably with ORIGINAL SILVER HALLMARKED inkwell and pounce holder? Both hallmarked and dated London 1840, Frances Douglas. Extremely unusual to find a slope with original silver inkwells - note the engraving matches the engraving on the top of the slope so these have always been together. These are valuable items in their own right.

With the inkwell removed a secret button to the side of the box releases the spring loaded cover beneath which conceals two secret drawers.

The box is labelled maker to the King so is a little earlier than the date of the silver and engraving but with a royal warrant lasting for two years after the death of the grantee was probably made in 1838 or 1839.

Both locks fully working with tassled keys, the external lock stamped Hobbs patent.

16" x 10 1/4" x 6 1/2" high closed  (40.5cm x 26cm x 16.5cm)