Lot 854: Georgian Style Inlaid Knife Box & Marquetry Letter Cabinet

Item 1:  Georgian style mahogany and satinwood knife box, serpentine case with marquetry urn and garland motif on a slant lid. Hand-painted bow and berry details on garland. Crossbanded inlaid edges. Inlaid ebony star and string decoration to interior of lid. Cover lifts to reveal fitted interior with 48 inlay sections. Brass hinges, bail and ring handles. Later decorative tassel. 14 in. H x 9 in. W x 12 in. D. Item 2:  Walnut desktop writing, stationery or correspondence cabinet, with burl veneer fall front having an inlaid satinwood marquetry urn and floral motif.  Fitted interior under lid includes 5 compartments, with crystal and brass ink well.  Stamped “RD 186668” on fall front, which opens via a counter-lever mechanism when lifting the lid. 7 interior compartments with thumb-hole cut-aways.  Brass escutcheon and handles on interior, with brass hardware on exterior. 10 3/4 in. H x 11 1/4 in. W x 6 3/4 in. D. Both items English, early 20th century.

PROVENANCE: The estate of Dr. Ian M. Mathison, Murfreesboro TN and Big Rapids, MI.

CONDITION: Item 1: Overall good condition with cracked veneer on the right bottom front and top left back sides.  Missing key. Item 2:  Repair to the right side of the lid and replaced hardware on the interior.  4 small holes in the interior lid, as if a nameplate had been installed. Some scuffs and wear.  Missing key.