irish coromandel mother of pearl writing slope box by austins dublin, circa 1860

Stunning and Rare Example of an Irish well grained Ladys Coromandel Travelling Writing Slope of compact proportions, made in Dublin, Ireland by George Austin. Third quarter of the Nineteenth Century.

The entire outer main area with lavish Mother of Pearl, Amboyna and brass strung inlays, opening to reveal a wonderful fitted interior and a dark blue velvet type woven fabric writing surface which is split where it folds. Inscribed on top HELEN Condition: Good condition, original good surface patination. Lock is present, key does not turn, a few tiny losses to inlay, difficult to see. Brass screw capped glass inkwells are of a later date. Height: (at back) 3.75" (9.5cm). Width: 15" (38cm). Depth: (closed) 10" (25cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Affordable Fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping. George Austin manufactured portable items, Decanter and Games Boxes, Tea Caddies, Ladies Dressing Boxes, Writing Slopes and various essential traveling items. Recorded as having workshops in Dublin throughout the last half of the Nineteenth Century. We are pleased to offer this really rare piece for sale on-line in superb condition.Coromandel: also known as Makassar Ebony, is a member of the genus Diospyros and one of the plants commonly known as ebony. Coromandel ebony wood is variegated, streaky brown and black, nearly always wide striped. It is considered a highly valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinet work and joinery. The tree grows up to 20 meters under favourable circumstances, although such trees are rarely seen nowadays. Since Coromandel ebony has been a woodworkers favourite for centuries, most of it has been felled and used in high quality furniture. The natural area of distribution are some Indonesian islands.As this exceptionally beautiful species of the Ebonies has been much appreciated by woodworkers all over the world through the past 2 centuries it has now become a very scarce and expensive timber. The small available amounts on the market have led to very high prices, Makassar ebony nowadays belongs to the highest priced timbers on the world, the region of growth is quite restricted.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: UTEFV637

Maker/Artist:

Austin's Dublin

Materials:

Coromandel Mother of Pearl Amboyna

Width (cm):

38

Height (cm):

9.5

Depth (cm):

25

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