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19th Century Writing Box
[Text discription below]
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10028
A Fine 19th Century Writing Box by Halstaff & Hannaford:
English ca. 1840. Signed with two trade lables: “Howell & James 9 Regent Street” and “Halstaff and Hannaford Manufacturers 228 Regent Street.” Halstaff & Hannaford were the manufacturers and Howell & James were the retailers.
Made of Goncola Alves (Brazilian Tigerwood) ( 15 X 10 X 5.5 in. ) and with inset brass stringing, trim and flush mounted side handles. The interior reveals a green, velvet surfaced writing slope and a variety of compartments for storage of papers, books, and writing ephemera. Two original keys are present, one for the exterior main lock and the other for the interior compartment. The main compartment, releasable by two sliding lid catches, shows cross-hatched banding for storage of letters and envelopes. The keyed section accesses a removable mahogany tray and storage space beneath. There are secret drawers for valuables, accessible via a pressure sensitive release area.
Also present are the two original ink wells of pontiled glass with cork lined brass caps, and a removable pen tray. There are three original trade labels affixed to the interior surfaces. These trade labels were an invaluable aid, and very useful in the accurate dating of this item.
Historical:
The firm Howell & James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James who were originally silk merchants and retail jewellers. The company had premises at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street and was noted for the variety and quality of its stock. In 1838 James left the business and the partnership then became known as Howell James & Co. By 1865 the firm employed over 140 women, most of whom lived above the shop.
William Halstaff started his manufacturing business in 1825 at 68 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, London, and latter moved it to 228 Regent Street in 1838, doing business as Halstaff & Co. In 1842 he went into partnership with Thomas Charles Hannaford, and the business became known as Halstaff & Hannaford. They mutually dissolved their business in 1858, however, the business continued trading under their name until 1898. In the same year, the business name was changed back to Halstaff & Co., and it remained at the 228 Regent Street address until its final closure in 1908 (1).
Condition:
The condition is very fine throughout. The wood finish is original and the exposed brasswork is with some atmospheric patination. Lock and key mechanisms are excellent. The pontiled glass ink wells appear original. There is some wear on the green velvet writing surface. All in all, a teriffic find and in superb condition. The box, still retaining its original trade labels.
Bibliography:
1. Online resources: [www.antiquebox.org].
English ca. 1840. Signed with two trade lables: “Howell & James 9 Regent Street” and “Halstaff and Hannaford Manufacturers 228 Regent Street.” Halstaff & Hannaford were the manufacturers and Howell & James were the retailers.
Made of Goncola Alves (Brazilian Tigerwood) ( 15 X 10 X 5.5 in. ) and with inset brass stringing, trim and flush mounted side handles. The interior reveals a green, velvet surfaced writing slope and a variety of compartments for storage of papers, books, and writing ephemera. Two original keys are present, one for the exterior main lock and the other for the interior compartment. The main compartment, releasable by two sliding lid catches, shows cross-hatched banding for storage of letters and envelopes. The keyed section accesses a removable mahogany tray and storage space beneath. There are secret drawers for valuables, accessible via a pressure sensitive release area.
Also present are the two original ink wells of pontiled glass with cork lined brass caps, and a removable pen tray. There are three original trade labels affixed to the interior surfaces. These trade labels were an invaluable aid, and very useful in the accurate dating of this item.
Historical:
The firm Howell & James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James who were originally silk merchants and retail jewellers. The company had premises at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street and was noted for the variety and quality of its stock. In 1838 James left the business and the partnership then became known as Howell James & Co. By 1865 the firm employed over 140 women, most of whom lived above the shop.
William Halstaff started his manufacturing business in 1825 at 68 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, London, and latter moved it to 228 Regent Street in 1838, doing business as Halstaff & Co. In 1842 he went into partnership with Thomas Charles Hannaford, and the business became known as Halstaff & Hannaford. They mutually dissolved their business in 1858, however, the business continued trading under their name until 1898. In the same year, the business name was changed back to Halstaff & Co., and it remained at the 228 Regent Street address until its final closure in 1908 (1).
Condition:
The condition is very fine throughout. The wood finish is original and the exposed brasswork is with some atmospheric patination. Lock and key mechanisms are excellent. The pontiled glass ink wells appear original. There is some wear on the green velvet writing surface. All in all, a teriffic find and in superb condition. The box, still retaining its original trade labels.
Bibliography:
1. Online resources: [www.antiquebox.org].
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