Missing one implement

Shrinkage separation to the joinery, most notable to the top and side of the lid. Stringing losses to the left-hand side of the lid and back edge corners. Shrinkage buckle to the thumbnail veneer edge to the inside of the lid. Veneer patch to front escutcheon shield plate. A generally nice example to small amount of sympathetic restoration.

The top appears to have lost its veneer and has been re-finished with a hand-painted simulated wood grain.

In overall good original condition. Scuffs and scratches to the case as to be expected with age. Several minor losses to the shell on the base. One small loss to the back left hand bottom corner. Two small shrinkage cracks to the back corner edges of the lid. Shuts and locks neatly. Original velvet fixed partitioned inner fittings, the two smaller velvet covered board dividers are loose and can be removed as the original hide glue has become detached. A handsome example of its type.

Appears to be refinished, but sometime ago. Back edge of the hinged lid has a veneer repair the full length, this also radiates to one side of the right-hand corner, this appears to be a repair from where the back hinge edge of the lid has separated at some point in the past. Interior tray is original. The red valet has recently been renewed. Evidence of the box originally having carrying handles to both sides, these are now absent and the holes have been refilled. General scuffs and scratches as expected with age.

On closer inspection this appears to be an Anglo-Chinese made writing box. Constructed in the solid and showing movement shrinkage separation and shifts in the joinery which is often the case when constructed in the solid from highly figured and possible unseasoned timber. All brass hardware except for the escutcheon plate is period early mid-19th century. Some additional ebonized polished has been applied to the ebonized stringing detail. The timber base of the box shows good genuine wear as does the external surfaces, but the inside appears to be quite sharp and pristine. This may be some later work or the signs of very little use. An interesting and unusual box.

No visible signature or marks, but we note this is a known Bergman model and we feel comfortable with this attribution. Good original condition, no damage repairs or restoration. Slightly dusty, would benefit from a light clean.

The albatross handled walking stick in our opinion the collar is silver, but it does not have any hallmarks. They appear to be in overall good original condition. The ebonised cane with silver cap is hallmarked, the Indian/Celanese elephant head cane has one tusk broken, several ivory bead inlays missing and ferule lacking.

Damage and loss to the foot and numerous areas of flaky paint loss in particular to the lower section. Fair condition only.

Some light wear and discolouration to the painted finish. Would benefit from a clean. And some mild pitting and deterioration to the finish as to be expected.

This piece has been restored with later refinishing/painting to the figure. The figure also appears to have been remounted to the base. The stone base edges front back on both sides are painted not black marble/slate. An attractive piece but with alterations.

Scuffs, scratches and nibbles to the onyx stand, attractive crystalline structure throughout. No repairs or restorations evident, the figures in our opinion have had some later touch up repainting but an attractive genuine pair of book ends.