Antique 1897 British Military Dispatch Box Field Desk

Antique 1897 British Military Dispatch Box  Field Desk

~”The Diamond Jubilee Patent Dispatch Box”~

~Just in from England, this antique dispatch or “despatch” box, sometimes also called a “stationary box” or field desk.  This box is a VICTORIAN ERA box, made by renown Allibhoy Vallijee company in India.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS UNIQUE PIECE:  A “despatch” box is for holding official papers and transporting them from place to place.  In the United Kingdom, such boxes, looking roughly like heavy-duty briefcases,  are often used by government and military officials to carry documents, and/or prepare and present/exchange documents.

This box has TWO  maker’s original tags and labels (see photos, they are awesome!!!)…

 “The Diamond Jubilee Patent Despatch Box”

“Allibhoy Vallijee Company”

“Multan, Cantt, India”.

Of course the Diamond Jubilee Celebration is referring to Queen Victoria in 1897!

The box is large and heavy, metal construction with large brass handles on either side and a hinged lid.  The interior is fitted with a top that opens down to reveal a cubbyhole area with brass taps to hold papers down and the opened lid provided a writing area.  The large lower interior provides additional storage and has a removable tray with various compartments.

The metal box is black with red and gold stripes and the interior is a light shade of green.  The colors are all original; the top lid has been repainted in the proper colors, a very good job!!

Measurements:

10”H x 22” x 14”.

All of my antiques are hand selected from premier European shippers.  I do not purchase in bulk, but prefer to individually purchase items, with each piece selected for its unique characteristics and quality.

Condition:

The box is in expected condition for over 110 years of age, with normal signs of age and use, scratches, dings, and other imperfections.  There is expected rust and dings, all part of the character!!   The top lid’s interior side is a fold down writing surface, and currently has a cardboard covering that probably had something else on top of it originally.  Also, I believe there were once ink wells in the removable tray, but they are not included, nor is a key.   I always provide multiple photos that should be considered as part of the description and I encourage you to email me with any questions you might have prior to bidding.    Please keep in mind antique furniture should be purchased for its uniqueness, higher quality material and craftsmanship and antique patina, charm and character….NOT for like-new condition!!!

Shipping:

Professional packaging, shipping and insurance on this item is $ 35.00(lower 48 states only).   All my antique furniture is professionally packaged for shipment by UPS, fully insured and delivered directly to your front door!

Thank you for spending time on this listing; I realize there are many, many sellers to choose from, and I appreciate you considering my item!!

I also invite you to take a minute to visit my eBay store, Geaux Vintage Antiques, to see more English and European antique furniture, barley twist items, beveled mirrors, wall shelves, smoke cabinets, carved boxes and many other unique and personally selected pieces for your home or office décor!

…”with all that, why Geaux anywhere else?”…