London, mid to late 19th century, shaped ebony, satinwood secondary, with intricate marquetry brass inlay, raised on (4) bronze scrolling feet and topped with a stylized bronze dolphin handle, compartment with (2) cut glass and bronze inkwells, single drawer with mother of pearl inlaid label for "Turrill / Dressing and Writing Case Makers / Regent Street."

10 x 16 1/2 x 13 1/2 in.

From the Collection of Randall Tysinger Antiques, High Point, North Carolina

John Turrill set up in business in 1826 at 352 Oxford Street as a stationer. By 1832 he was trading additionally at 246 Regent Street. 250 Regent Street became his sole address in 1834. By 1838, his business was described as a writing and dressing case manufactory and John Turrill & Co. was listed as such in the London Post Office Directory 1845. The Turrill firm operated well into the 20th century, it last recorded at 250 Regent Street in 1940 [Pigot Company London and Provincial Directory, 1940].

Scattered chips to glass inkwells, one lid missing cork insert, lid to central compartment no longer present, slight wobble to feet; age cracking, crack to right side of drawer, and very minor losses to ebony veneer.