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19th Century Anglo Indian Stationery Campaign Chest, Outstanding

$9,750

About

Presenting an absolutely stunning and extremely rare 19th century Anglo-Indian Stationery Campaign chest/box. Gorgeous and extremely rare and unique 19th century piece, made in 1897. Large in size. Everything about this chest 'oozes' quality, from the locks, to the inlay, to the interior and to the marquetry detail! Made primarily of teak, it is beautifully inlaid with brass (in the Boulle style), bone and ebony on top. Brass bound for Campaign use on top and sides and stunning specimen wood marquetry on all sides. Brass inlaid string throughout. Recessed brass carry handles. The gorgeous floral marquetry features a bull's head as it central motif. The front base panel drops down to open the interior by key (it has its original key). Once open it hinges to reveal a two-tier interior with stationary drawers, gorgeous original velvet lining and fret work. By removing all internal drawers, you can access a hidden button that releases a secret drawer. Some people have called this a 'Zanzibar Box', but as an expert in Anglo-Indian furniture, I am confident that it is a Vizagapatam made chest. It has what appears to be a maker’s mark on it's top, Uttersingh & Co., but we cannot find any records of the company or any similar items by them. Likewise, it has imprinted on the top the date of manufacture: 2.8.97. The entire inscription reads: " 2.8.97 Uttersingh Latest Pattern". What also tells us it is Anglo-Indian are the brass fittings and lock. The main lock is impressed with the maker’s mark: " Secure Lever" and "E. Thomson & Co. Ltd. Calcutta". Only a very high ranking British officer could afford such a piece in 1897. This is the "KING" of Anglo-Indian campaign boxes!! Condition is excellent considering it's age and use. Some very minor loss of ebony in the brass inlay on top. Some minor losses to the boxwood fretwork on the interior stationary pouches as is evident from the photos. Some very minor losses to the floral fretwork to the front of the secret bottom drawer. Some minor loss of fretwork on the interior stationary compartments. Despite these minor losses we consider this piece to be a museum quality piece!

Details

Of the Period
British Colonial
Place of Origin
India
Date of Manufacture
1897

Period
Late 19th Century
Materials and Techniques
InlayBrass,Hand-CraftedTeak,Hand-CraftedEbony,InlayBone,MarquetryWood
Condition
Good

Condition Details
Very good condition. Some very minor losses to the fretwork interior. See full details in listing.
Wear
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Dimensions
H 12 in. x W 25 in. x D 15 in.H 30.48 cm x W 63.5 cm x D 38.1 cm