Tambour Portable Writing Box Mahogany George III Antique
An early and rarely seen tambour portable writing box that dates from the reign of George III (1738 -1820). Crafted by a highly skilled cabinet maker and fitted with an ingenious tambour opening system and hinged leather covered writing board. In their day usually referred to as a portable writing desk, a box like this would provide ample storage space for ink, pounce and sand bottles, paper, stamps, writing instruments and accessories. Fitted with two large carrying handles and a smaller drawer handle, all made of brass in campaign manner.
Some of the oldest portable writing desks appear to have been designed by London based cabinet maker Thomas Shearer. In 1788 he contributed twenty illustrations for the book 'Designs for Household Furniture', but likely the writing box existed well before this time.
This portable writing desk with tambour door is likely from the 2nd part of the 18th century. Its mechanism consists of a series of small strips of wood glued onto a piece of linen fabric or in this case, duck canvas. This creates a flexible roll top and both edges run inside two grooves on either side of the box. The tambour is attached to the back of the front storage drawer and both are opened by pulling the handle. Slowly the tambour reveals the stylish interior.
The sloping lid, fitted with two hinges, can now be opened to reveal two small drawers and yet more storage space. On the reverse side of this lid is a leather covered writing board which rests securely on the opened front drawer. Once the desk is fully closed by folding the hinged lid shut, the tambour door is locked safely in position. A key is supplied for the working lock of the front drawer. Two shaped drop handles in campaign style allow this portable writing desk (or box) to be carried with ease.
These wonderful writing boxes are a real slice of history; used by writers and poets, military officers and politicians but also in more domestic settings by ladies and gentlemen. This Georgian version has been fully restored by one of the best furniture experts in this country. The tambour mechanism and key operated lock are again in full working condition. Supplied with two original glass bottles for ink and one bottle with a pierced top filled with old pounce still present. A characterful piece of red dyed leather has been fitted to the writing surface and bottom of the box. Bone parts have been fitted, to resemble the original ivory that was used for the escutcheon and drawer handles. Beautiful finished mahogany wood completes the look and the box is now ready for its new life!
Product summary
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Manufacturer: Unknown, English
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Manufacturer's mark: No
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Period: 2nd half 18th century
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Material: Wood - Mahogany, Leather, Brass, Ivorine
- Supplied with original ink & pounce bottles
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Size: Width 37cm (14.5 inches), Depth 26cm (10 inches) Approx.
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