An antique mahogany writing slope including the original key and an assortment of rare antique documents. The box has a vacant brass cartouche and is in very nice condition, the green baize on the writing slope has been replaced, the grain and patina are exceptional.  The documents included are from the 18th and 19th centuries, there is also a small collection of stamps in the appropriate recess. The documents include the last will and testament of Mr James Banks dated 29th April 1774, a notice of intent to introduce a Bill concerning land enclosure in a fine Copperplate hand and dated 3rd September 1821, an Inland Revenue account for Major General James Archibald Chalmer dated 1857, a letter from Mr Daintry dated 19th January 1798 and  stamped envelope to a Mrs West at the Royal Hotel in Southport dated 1899.
 
This is a really beautiful box, an elegant functional item which is decorative too.
 
The box measures 35.2x 23 x 12.3cm (13.86" x 9.06" x 4.84").