Fine and Large Queen Anne Oak Writing Box dated 1706

The box dated ‘1706’ and carved with initials S S either side of the English rose. The flanking panels superbly carved with tulips set in curvilinear foliage. The box with chip carved with running gouge and bead borders and stiles. The interior retaining the three original drawers each with foliate S scrolled carved fronts and original nailed up oak linings.

The oak has developed an absolutely fantastic colour and rich natural patination and retains original hand forged and riveted hinges, lock and hasp.

The slope front lid with lovely blind fretwork zigzag carved outer border and scratch carved running semi circle inner border.

The whole box demonstrating an unusually high level of craftsmanship, detail and with bold and fluid carving. Of great weight, it is solid and usable.

Some old professional repairs consistent with age but nothing that leaps out. Small old loss, now worn and blended, to the front edge of the fall. It has come to me on a simple 19th century oak stand which I can send with the box if you would like this.

A really beautiful and tactile early box made with great skill for someone with the initials S S – a literate person who lived during the reign of Queen Anne and for whom this box would have been most important, loved and cherished.