Carved oak writing desk; England; 1575-1625

Writing desk with carved sides and front. On the sides are upper, triangular sections with interlacing vine branches wtih stiff leaves, below which, continued round the front, is a border of roses and lozenges enclosing quatrefoils. At the bottom, around the front and sides runs a carved ovolo moulding enriched with scroll and leafy ornament. In front are two brackets and matching ones may be missing from both sides. There are two nailed iron hinges terminating in fleur-de-lys, and an iron lock escutcheon. The lid has a plain batten, paper stop, and running down both sides of the lid (on the upper surface) are incised patterns. The interior is fitted with a shelf and a drawer divided into two compartments. The lid and fixed back strip have nulled edges and have been fitted underneath with modern mouldings. The body of the box is dovetailed, and the bottom consists of one narrow and one wide oak board, nailed up. The lid consists of five narrow boards joined using a visible biscuit joint; nail shadows suggest that supporting battens have been applied to the underside of the lid.

With a dark varnish overall. Locked (2016).

Purchased for £8. 15s from Story & Co., Kensington High Street, W.8.

Dating
The box appears to have been created at one period (other than the addition of battens to the lid, at its edges), and the type is characteristic of c1575-1675. However, the stiff leaf ornament prominent on the sides is more characteristic of the early 16th century, and the ornate base moulding is exceptional among similar boxes. In combination with what appears to be an anachronistic 'biscuit' joint used for the lid, and the lack of convincing wear it seems possible that the box was created at a much later date, possibly c1875-1900.

Further literature
A.J. Conybeare, A discourse on boxes of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries (Hanley Swan, Worcestershire 1993)

On loan to Oak House Musuem, West Bromwich

W.80-1911