Traveling Vanity and Writing Box

Luxurious, mid-19th century burr walnut traveling dresser/writing box, including 6 original sterling silver topped bottles/jars/inkwell. The box was manufactured by F.L. Hausburg of Liverpool – a renowned maker of quality/luxury items. The box is inlaid with brass string and a central cartouche on the lid which has been crested and monogrammed.

Upon opening the box, the interior lid has a rich velour gathered and leather-bound which folds down to reveal a leather-bound piece suitable for pens (or quills) or manicure items.  The maker’s details are on the back leather covered panel in embossed gilt.

A removable shelf with twin handles holds six cut glass and sterling silver bottles, including a travelling inkwell. The sterling silver has been hand-chased guilloche and crested with a horse’s head in the round central cartouches.  Each bottle/jar/inkwell sits within a custom fitted, leather bound and velour lined enclosure. The silver is all heavy gauge and hallmarked:  TJ for Thomas Johnson I, Sterling, Victorian duty mark, London, 1858 (c).

As you look at the box, it comprises:

• On the left is a rectangular jar – star cut base: 10.6cm x 3.4cm x 3.7cm.
• A long rectangular jar at the back – star cut base: 16.5cm x 3cm x 3.5cm.
• A vacant space.
• A hobnail scent bottle with screw top lid and inner stopper.  Height 7.7cm.
• A travelling inkwell with screw down lid – star cut base:  7.5cm x 3cm x 3.8cm.
• A second hobnail scent bottle with screw top lid and inner stopper.  Height 7.7cm.
• A vacant space.
• At the back right a small round jar- faceted with star cut base: height of 3.5xm, diameter 2.4cm.

When you lift out the shelf holding the bottles, the base of the box has a fitted interior suitable for documents, seal wax etc. with one lidded compartment on the left.

Lock is from S Mordan & Co, an accomplished silversmith and locksmith company of the 19th and early 20th century.