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A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box
Sold by Opus Antiques
sold SA1163443
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Opus Antiques

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2014
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A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box

19th century
Sold 3 October 2025 · Opus Antiques
This “Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Here is a really top quality London rosewood letter box, dating from around 1820, with the makers name engraved on the inside. 

The box is made from rosewood and has a divided interior. On the lid there are two slots for posting, with inlaid brass panels to each, one saying Answered and the other Unanswered. It has a hinged lid with a working key. There is also a brass crown on the lid, linking the top quality boxes which the company manufacturers, to the fact  that it supplies these writing boxes and stationery boxes to the royal family.

The sides of the box are beautifully made with geometric rectangular fretwork to all four sides. It stands on four compressed bun feet.

When you open up the box on the inside, the original brass lock is engraved D Edward's Manufacturer to his majesty, 21 King Street Blooms.

David Edwards was a top London maker of writing boxes and stationery boxes in the early 1800s. he established his business in 1813 and by 1820 operated from 21 Kings Street Bloomsbury.

It measures 21.5cm x x 13.5cm d x 11.3cm h.

A really lovely quality piece.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Rosewood Letter Box to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1163443
Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description
Here is a really top quality London rosewood letter box, dating from around 1820, with the makers name engraved on the inside. 

The box is made from rosewood and has a divided interior.

“
On the lid there are two slots for posting, with inlaid brass panels to each, one saying Answered and the other Unanswered.
Opus Antiques

It has a hinged lid with a working key. There is also a brass crown on the lid, linking the top quality boxes which the company manufacturers, to the fact  that it supplies these writing boxes and stationery boxes to the royal family.

fig 1. An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism.
fig 1. A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box

The sides of the box are beautifully made with geometric rectangular fretwork to all four sides. It stands on four compressed bun feet.

When you open up the box on the inside, the original brass lock is engraved D Edward's Manufacturer to his majesty, 21 King Street Blooms.

fig 2. An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism.
fig 2. A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box

David Edwards was a top London maker of writing boxes and stationery boxes in the early 1800s. he established his business in 1813 and by 1820 operated from 21 Kings Street Bloomsbury.

It measures 21.5cm x x 13.5cm d x 11.3cm h.

A really lovely quality piece.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Rosewood Letter Box to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1163443
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

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

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An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box

Archive II An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View II
Archive III An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View III
Archive IV An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View IV
Archive V An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View V
Archive VI An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View VI
Archive VII An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View VII
Archive VIII An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View VIII
Archive IX An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View IX
Archive X An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism. View X
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Telephone 07941 285 532
Location
North Devon
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2014
Items For Sale 99
Items Sold 2,403
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2014
For Sale
99
Sold
2,403
An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism.
A Top Quality London Makers Rosewood Letter Box
Ref: SA1163443
An antique rosewood letter box featuring brass inlays, slot openings labelled Answered and Unanswered, and a central locking mechanism.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesk Accessories
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialRosewood, Brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsBrass escutcheon, Engraved plaques, Slotted lid, Lattice lower section

Antique letter boxes and correspondence chests became widely popular during the Victorian era as increased postal services led to a greater volume of personal and business letters requiring organisation on a desk.

Fine desktop letter boxes were typically constructed from dense hardwoods such as rosewood, mahogany, or walnut, often featuring brass hinges, escutcheons, and inlaid plaques.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints, traditional brass hardware, aged timber patination, and period-specific lock mechanisms rather than modern fasteners.

This piece functions effectively as a desktop accessory on a study desk or as a decorative storage container on a console table, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary spaces.

Maintain the timber by keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, applying occasional natural wax to preserve the polish and prevent the wood from drying out.
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