Mid 19thc Victorian Leather Cased Chubb and Son Complete Dispatch Box Including Inkwells.

Mid 19th century completely original large Chubb and Son leather cased gilt embellished painted metal dispatch box or deed box with fitted interior. It has recessed side carrying handles, removable top tray to reveal storage below, removable pen tray, two cast brass topped cut glass locking inkwells with facet cut shoulders, a leather blotter fitted into the interior lid, and the original Chubb lock and Chubb Detector key.

Dispatch boxes were very functional items used to transport important documents while travelling, for security purposes. They were also something of a status symbol. The Chubb locking system was the most sought after.

Chubb and Son, in business for over 180 years, was a very famous maker of locks and protective items such as this. The case is marked Chubb in two places, as is the lock, the two inkwells and the key. The box is labelled Chubb and Son, 68 St. James St., SW. The lock is labelled Chubb's Patent, Makers to her majesty, 1280 Queen Victoria St, 1357530. The key is engraved Chubb's Detector, 1280 Queen Victoria St., London. The detector lock was patented in 1818 by Charles and Jeremiah Chubb due to the increase in crime in England driving a demand for security boxes and safes.

Within the blotter are a few letters from the period 1866 through WWI. The leather case is initialed R.M.L, and the letters and key tag refer to a Miss Livesey. She apparently was related to the Murat family, from which this came.

Size-box:15 inches by 10 inches by 6 inches high.

Weight for shipping-7.25 kilos.

With leather case, add .5 inches to all dimensions. Inkwells are 2.5 inches high by 1.75 inches wide each side.

It is very unusual to get such a complete box including its exterior case.

In very good condition overall. Box has minor chips to paint, and the protective leather case is worn as expected, but all straps are still intact. The two inkwells are perfect, and the lock is fully working with the original key.

A great talking point, and a wonderful glimpse into 19th century British history, still making a wonderful place to keep important letters or papers, and a great box for the collector.

Please click on my personal website link in the top left column of this page, or go to www.serpentineantiques.co.uk to see additional items not listed on this site. If you would like additional photos, I am happy to provide them.

Inventory is located in different locations, so please email to verify availability. Thank you.