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ID #SA1042447
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£695
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Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian
London Fine Antiques
for sale €813     $883
£695
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
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Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

19th century
Description

This is an antique Cadmus correspondence case. A Scottish, leather compact desktop organiser by W & J Milne of Edinburgh, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

Cadmus was the first king of Thebes (in ancient Greece) and brought the alphabet and writing from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and therefore, to the wider world. In its distinctive bellows form, the alphabet visible to the concertina edge is a visual link to the historic figure.

A fascinating desktop organiser, with a delightful appearance

Displays a desirable aged patina and in very good condition

Quality black and deep blue leather finish tooled with gilt titling

Eye-catching concertina form, accentuated with gold lettering to one edge

Extends to approximately 26cm (10.25'') when filled with documents

Maker's mark for W & J Milne of Edinburgh (1844 - 1905)

This is a distinctive and beautifully presented antique Cadmus correspondence case, with an appealing concertina form. A useful treat for a reception desk or office, as a gift or in the well-organised home. Delivered ready to serve.

Dimensions:

Max Width: 26cm (10.25'')

Max Depth: 7cm (2.75'')

Max Height: 15.5cm (6'')

Fully Drawn - Approx: 26cm (10.25'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.9797

Physical Dimensions
Height
15.5cm (6.10")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Victorian Leather Correspondence Case to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1042447
Dealers Internal Reference
18.9797
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is an antique Cadmus correspondence case.
A Scottish, leather compact desktop organiser by W & J Milne of Edinburgh, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
London Fine Antiques

Cadmus was the first king of Thebes (in ancient Greece) and brought the alphabet and writing from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and therefore, to the wider world. In its distinctive bellows form, the alphabet visible to the concertina edge is a visual link to the historic figure.

fig 1. A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
fig 1. Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

A fascinating desktop organiser, with a delightful appearance

Displays a desirable aged patina and in very good condition

Quality black and deep blue leather finish tooled with gilt titling

Eye-catching concertina form, accentuated with gold lettering to one edge

fig 2. A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
fig 2. Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

Extends to approximately 26cm (10.25'') when filled with documents

Maker's mark for W & J Milne of Edinburgh (1844 - 1905)

This is a distinctive and beautifully presented antique Cadmus correspondence case, with an appealing concertina form. A useful treat for a reception desk or office, as a gift or in the well-organised home. Delivered ready to serve.

fig 3. A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
fig 3. Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

Dimensions:

Max Width: 26cm (10.25'')

Max Depth: 7cm (2.75'')

Max Height: 15.5cm (6'')

Fully Drawn - Approx: 26cm (10.25'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

fig 4. A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
fig 4. Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Our Ref: 18.9797

Height
15.5cm (6.10")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Victorian Leather Correspondence Case to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1042447
Dealers Internal Ref
18.9797
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
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Archive I A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.

Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian

Archive II A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View II
Archive III A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View III
Archive IV A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View IV
Archive V A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View V
Archive VI A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 948
Items Sold 5,613
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
948
Sold
5,613
A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian
Ref: SA1042447
A Victorian black leather correspondence case crafted by W and J Milne featuring gold gilt lettering and a central leather handle.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Correspondence cases gained prominence during the 19th century alongside the expansion of the postal service and formal letter-writing etiquette. Designed to store, organize, and protect stationary, letters, and important papers, these cases were crafted by specialist leatherworkers and bookbinders across the United Kingdom.

High-quality Victorian letter cases were typically constructed using a rigid wood or card frame bound in textured morocco or calfskin leather. Gilding was applied using brass stamps and gold leaf, while internal compartments used linen-backed card or silk accordions.

Authentic pieces frequently display stamped gilt maker details, retailer addresses, or trade marks on the front face or interior lining. Period-correct pieces also show fine grain leather wear, original accordion dividers, and hand-tooled border lines around the perimeter.

An antique correspondence case provides structural interest when placed on an executive office desk, console table, or library bookshelf. It functions effectively as a decorative accent alongside brass desk accessories, bound books, or framed prints.

Keep antique leather goods away from direct heat sources and excessive sunlight to prevent drying and cracking. Apply a neutral, high-grade leather wax sparingly with a soft cloth, avoiding any gilded lettering or stamped markings to prevent abrasion.
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