May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
A) Leather-covered wooden document box, 7 3/4 x 17 x 9 3/4 inches, that features extensive tooled and gilded decoration throughout, including a framed diamond surrounding the hinged, brass carrying handle on the lid, which is divided into 4 quadrants, each having a gilded British royal "crown / GR" device stamped into its center. There is a lock on the front of the device, consisting of a hinged clasp and a keyed plate, both of japanned steel, the latter having a brass keyhole cover stamped with a crown over "GR". The interior is lined with 1836 dated Albany newspapers. The lid is secured by a leather hinge only. CONDITION: Very good overall with some light wear, scattered marks, and minor cracks. A very nice example. (B) A small and unusual writing box, dating from the same period and containing a cork padded blown inkwell and sharpening stone for reshaping quill points. The interior is lined with 18th century paper with newsprint. The lid is secured by a brass hook and there is a hand-forged iron handle on top. CONDITION: Exterior shows some losses to leather, especially around edges and corners, otherwise there is scattered cracking. Interior shows some losses to paper and cork around inkwell has somewhat deteriorated. A very nice grouping of early English boxes, probably brought by provincial American officers.
These boxes are illustrated and described on pages 34 & 35 of "For Liberty I Live" by Al Benting.