Second half 19th century, the larger in rosewood veneers, with hinged lid, campaign style brass inlays, aubergine leather writing service, with divided interior compartments and ink tray; the smaller in mahogany veneers, with hinged lid, brass escutcheon, purple velvet writing surface, three ink and pen compartments, cloth underside.

Larger 5 3/8 x 17 7/8 x 9 1/8; smaller 5 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.

Private Collection, South Carolina

Both with surface scratches, small dents, losses and wear to veneer and writing service leather/velvet; larger box with veneer crack to lid corner and associated repair; writing surface separation at hinge, lid does not fully close; smaller box with crack to posterior lid and base front corners with some associated wood loss, top inlay plaque detached but present, writing service with separation, some surface grime; both lacking keys.