Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1870s.
It opens to reveal the rich interior with various features and fittings including:

A hinged stationery compartment in the lid;
Pair of silver topped ink bottles (London 1882);
Velvet-lined ebony pen-and-pencil tray;
Three porcelain re-usable writing tablets;
Original gilt-tooled velvet writing surfaces;

and fine hand-engraved hinges and catches.
It is lined throughout with beautifully-figured satinwood and it comes complete with its original gilded ornate key. A truly remarkable writing box of the highest quality! 14ins (35.5cms) wide.
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1870s.
Fine antiques at sensible prices
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Quiet Street Antiques of Bath Profile Page