1st item: Rosewood Gentleman's dressing box with brass inlay decoration to lid and matching gilt painted escutcheon, opens to reveal a fitted interior lined with blue velvet. Lid houses a mirror hidden by a collapsible leather panel with gilt decoration, and body contains nine interior compartments including a removable tray with additional storage underneath and a secret drawer with three compartments accessed by removing a brass pin on the right-side of the interior edge. Retains original purchase receipt from Bedford Antiques in Pittsburg, PA. 6 7/8" H x 12 1/8" L x 8 7/8" D. 2nd item: Mahogany writing lap desk with inlaid brass shield decoration to lid, brass corners, and shield escutcheon, opens to reveal a leather-lined writing surface with gilt decoration and three compartments for inkwells, pens, and additional storage for parchment accessible under hinged writing area. Interior brass hinges stamped "P.M. Co. Patent", 4 1/2" H x 11 7/8" W x 8 7/8" D. Both items 19th Century.
Condition
Both items in overall good condition with some general use wear. 1st item with veneer loss on lower right panel, oxidation to mirror, loss to interior liner, missing divider to interior compartment, and gilt loss to painted escutcheon. Latch to reveal mirror does not function well. 2nd item with repaired age crack visible beneath writing area, and replaced interior veneers near hinges. Neither box retains keys.