91 - PORTABLE TRAVEL OR DESK-TOP WRITING CABINET MADE OF PRECIOUS WOODS, 19TH CENTURY

PORTABLE TRAVEL OR DESK-TOP WRITING CABINET MADE OF PRECIOUS WOODS, 19TH CENTURY Exceptional Victorian portable or tabletop writing cabinet with a Bramah lock. Dated 1891. It features a sophisticated domed lid design. The exterior is fitted with sturdy, campaign-style side carrying handles. Upon opening the cabinet, the understated and elegant exterior contrasts with a meticulously compartmentalized interior in light wood. It features a tiered letter organizer. On the sides, it retains its complete set of four original leather-bound ledgers with gold-embossed titles. At the heart of the cabinet stands an openwork brass card holder that houses the original 1891 calendar alongside period printed tables listing the British Post Office rates. The front folds open on brass hinges to reveal a spacious double-leaf writing surface, lined in burgundy leather with elegant gold trim. The underside of the top lid, lined in matching burgundy leather, features a leather strap holding four original ivory writing instruments (a pencil, a nib, and two letter openers). The lower section houses three front drawers with openwork handles and burgundy leather interior lining (one of which contains many nib replacements). Sliding the unit forward reveals a hidden compartment containing two original brass inkwells with screw-on lids and a central pen holder. It is equipped with an original lock marked “BRAMAH LONDON” (no key included). Dimensions when closed: 30.5 x 42.5 x 24.5 cm