#9764 an early victorian ‘wickwar’ black leather despatch box. ‘assistant commissioners’ c 1860.

WICKWAR & CO. 6 POLAND STREET, Manufacturers to H.M. Stationery Office,

A Victorian Black Leather Despatch Box C1860, the top with chamfered edges, decorative tooling, and a brass swing handle. The Victorian Royal Insignia is impressed in the centre, and the title 'ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS'* stamped on the front edge. The Bramah Patent lock, stamped S. Mordan & Co. London, retains its original key. The interior with raised sides is lined with black leather cloth.
*The rank of Assistant Commissioner was introduced by the Police Act 1856, which abolished the two Joint Commissioners and established a single Commissioner (Sir Richard Mayne) assisted by two Assistant Commissioners. The Assistant Commissioner (Administrative) was in charge of administration and discipline. The Assistant Commissioner (Executive) was in charge of executive business, supplies and buildings. The first two men to fill these posts were Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Labalmondière and Captain William C. Harris respectively.

Width (cm):

38.5

Height (cm):

13

Depth (cm):

26

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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Gerald Mathias Fine Antique Boxes

Website:www.geraldmathias.com Dealer in fine Georgian and Victorian antique wooden & leather boxes. Stock includes Country House Post Letter Boxes, Despatch Boxes, Stationery Cabinets, Jewellery Boxes, as well as Victorian office, desk & library accessories. .

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