Description This writing box by G. H. Radcliffe in Coromandel dates to the late nineteenth century during the later stages of the Victorian period, circa 1880. The writing box is of rectangular form veneered throughout in exotic Coromandel and finished with brass edging and double brass stringing to the front and lid. The top is centred with a vacant brass initial plaque framed within single brass stringing. Each side is fitted with flush mounted loop carry handles and the box is secured with a Bramah of London lock. When opened the writing box reveals a dark blue black leather writing slope bordered with Greek key style gold tooling. The upper interior section is fitted with two glass inkwells, a pen tray and two additional storage compartments, one of which is lidded. The writing slope opens in two sections. The lower section lifts via a central tab and reveals a storage compartment bearing the embossed makers label G. H. Radcliffe, Maker, Halifax. The upper section opens via a matching tab positioned beneath a small locking catch and reveals a larger storage area beneath the slope. The writing box incorporates secret compartments within the interior structure. One secret compartment is hidden behind the upper compartment fittings and is released by lifting the internal partition between the inkwell and stamp storage. When raised, a spring loaded panel releases to reveal three concealed drawers. A further hidden drawer is located to the right hand side of the box above the pullout drawer. It is accessed by withdrawing a brass pin positioned to the right of the writing slope when opened. Please note, this drawer can only be opened once the writing box itself has been unlocked and opened. Within the void created by removing the side drawer, an additional concealed document compartment can be accessed by pressing the right hand wall of the void, this drops down the secret storage panel. A late Victorian writing box by G. H. Radcliffe of Halifax veneered in Coromandel with fitted interior and multiple concealed compartments. Although the box is stamped G.H. Radcliffe Halifax, it is likely that the basic manufacture of the box was completed by Austin of Dublin and possibly retailed by Radcliffe given the various key indicators in the manufacture such as, the faced brass mounts, the brass escutcheons and overall design. Mark Goodger Antiques have sold identical examples of this box by Austin of Dublin which are available to view in our archives. View the full Writing Box Collection. G.H Radcliffe George Henry Radcliffe (1835-1897) Was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Around 1865 he established business as a practical hair cutter and perfumer at 18 Crown Street, Halifax. The company had a laboratory at Gill’s Court, Halifax. He was a hair dresser & fancy dealer. He died tragically when a piece of masonry fell on him causing an injury which later led to his death several days later leaving his £2,789 worth behind (nearly half a million pounds in todays money!). For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on George Henry Radcliffe. Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel. Victorian Victorian is an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era. Bramah Bramah is London’s oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Fitzrovia, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah manufactures Bramah and Rola locks for domestic and commercial applications in the U.K. and overseas. We are Marylebone and Fitzrovia’s foremost Locksmith and Burglar Alarm installer. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Bramah. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
