Antique English Victorian Leather Correspondence Box Cabinet from Houghton & Gunn

This is an antique correspondence box. An English, leather bound sarcophagus cabinet with secret compartment, attributed to Houghton and Gunn of London, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.

Quality gentleman’s stationery box with fascinating concealed compartment
Displays a desirable aged patina throughout
Leather bound with contrasted crimson over black hues
Pleasingly aged, commensurate with age and use

Sarcophagus top with hidden compartment, accessed by blind push mechanism
Pair of opening doors with working twist latch lock mechanism — untested, key absent
Arranged as a suite of five drawers, two over three of graduated type
Flush drop handles sit within shaped backplates

Dashing recessed carry handles to each side with near oval plates
Stands upon a prominent tapered plinth base
Unmarked as such, but bears strong hallmarks of Houghton & Gunn of London
Renowned for leather goods and boxes, based on Bond Street and later bought out by Asprey in 1906

This is a superb antique correspondence box, with fascinating leather finish and a concealed compartment. Delivered polished and ready to display.

Dimensions:
Max Width: 43.5cm (17.25”)
Max Depth: 30.5cm (12”)
Max Height: 46cm (18”)

Secret Compartment Width: 19.5cm (7.75”)
Secret Compartment Depth: 8.5cm (3.25”)
Secret Compartment Height: 5cm (2”)

Largest Drawer Width: 35cm (13.75”)
Largest Drawer Depth: 20.5cm (8”)
Largest Drawer Height: 9cm (3.5”)