Writing box

A beautiful very high quality Rosewood and brass marquetry writing box. This box was in quite good condition, however it did have a few issues which need to be address. An old repair to the top was badly done and detracted significantly from it. There was also loose veneer and brass.

The previous repair on the top was done using a piece of timber that was very different from what should have been used. The grain, pattern, texture, and colour didn’t match the Rosewood at all. I replaced it with a piece of old Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), which now blends in well with the original timber. The brass inlay was carefully refitted into the Rosewood, resulting in a nearly seamless repair.

There were quite a few little repairs that were needed. Small Mahogany dovetailed blocks were inset across the crack in the top. This was done from the underside, this stops the crack getting any worse. Loose veneer and brass was glued back down with hide glue.

There were a lot of small boxes and writing slopes made right throughout the 20th century. They often come in for repairs. The range in style shape size and also quality varies greatly. This one is of a particular high quality and not often seen, a pleasure to work on.

The existing shellac finish was very thick, it almost looked like it was brushed on. The old polish was carefully washed off and a full bodied French Polished finish applied.