An antique oak box with a sloping lid, made as a combined writing and sewing box.
The lid slopes gently toward the front, like a small writing desk, and is fitted with a padded pincushion covered in handwoven striped wool in deep green, red, cream and brown. The box is solidly built from oak, with shaped iron strap hinges at the back, visible dovetailed corners, small bracket feet and a faint diamond motif cut into the front, just below the keyhole. Inside, a fixed divider and a shallow tray at the back give separate spaces for pens and papers, needles and thread.
The wood has the deep, warm patina of long handling, and the ironwork still carries flecks of old red paint. It is a lovely piece for a desk, console or bedside table, and works as a place for letters, stationery, sewing things or small keepsakes.
