Mammoth Brass Bound Writing Slope Signed J.j. Mechi - Full Provenance

A rare and special gem, one only comes across something this special once in a blue moon. This enormous writing box is hard to lift, so large, solid and heavy and measuring 21 1/2" long x 11 1/2" deep x 9 1/2" tall.

Made from exotic and expensive Rosewood, the box is brass bound with an oval brass inlaid cartouche to the top and a grand custom inlaid plaque to the front. Either side of the box has a large flush solid brass carrying handle.

This custom plaque to the front beautifully engraved gives us our first piece of provenance:

" Presented with a purse of 250 sovereigns / Mr. George Stacy, by friends & members of the City of London Literary & Scientific Institution in testimony of their admiration of the manner in which he filled the Office of Secretary of the institution, from it's opening in 1825 to it's close in 1852 and of the zeal, integrity and ability he throughout manifested. March 16th 1855 ".

The interior is top quality to be expected from such a spectacular example with two glass and silverplated travel inkwells, a velvet lined instrument tray and two brass inlaid lidded compartments.

There is a concealed button within the right-hand side inkwell chamber which releases the cover to the secret drawers, this panel is signed on the label by the historical box maker J.J. Mechi. Behind this are three drawers with ivory pulls. The pin that holds the side drawer in place is removed and used in one corner to release a large secret tray which drops down once the drawer is pulled out, the drawer can then be replaced and pulled slightly forward to conceal it again. In all my years of dealing in boxes, I have never come across this magnificent secret tray.

The underside of the drawer gives us full provenance, with pasted newspaper cuttings about Mr. George Stacy including him being a candidate to become the City Police Commissioner. Other cuttings cover the story of the presentation of this box together with the 250 Sovereigns.

The leather writing slope is the original in excellent shape with a lockable compartment below, (this key doesn't work but used to lift the flap open), there is also a large storage compartment the other side.

The box is locked with a top-notch "Bramah" lock and key, in full working order.

Not to be missed ... in excellent condition. Please note the free shipping still extended to this box saving a small fortune!

Please request further photos, I have many.

Item ID: 32429

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