Another Antique Writing Box !!

[Invictus Maneo]

A few weeks ago I ran a thread that was prompted by Richard (BisquetLips) posting some pics of his newest acquisition. An antique writing box.

The first box I posted has a lot of meaning to me as it is a family heirloom http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=419860. I guess this one is too only because it was my fathers but it doesn't have a lot of history attached to it like the other one. I have no idea where my dad got this one. I only remember him having it. Unfortunately, there is no one left in the family to ask.
After I took possession of it the box it was accidentally bumped, fell and one of the main hinges broke. It has been so for at least ten years. I just never thought about fixing it.

Now, because of you fine folks , I'm really getting into pens and other writing paraphernalia ,so what was once an object collecting dust now became a project.

I thought finding a hinge to fix this would be relatively easy. Just go to Home Depot and pick one up. WRONG!!' Even the old guys who run the small local hardware (you know the type. They have all kinds of obscure hardware, hard to find/fit things and are a wealth of knowledge. These guys have gotten me out of numerous jams with the little tricks they know) had no idea where to source a hinge like this. I had thoughts of trying to fabricate one but dismissed that idea pretty quickly. I can do a lot of "handy" things but this was too intricate and time consuming to attempt to make.

After searching on the internet, lo and behold, I found a gentleman in England who makes hinges especially for all types on antique writing boxes!

After careful measuring and doing my metric to inches calculations (why in the hell we're not on the metric system here in the U.S. baffles me) I ordered a pair even though I only needed one but ya never know, right!

The tricky part was getting the piece of broken hinge out without damaging the box. It had been held on with screws and nails. The screws were easy , the nails , not so much.

Anyway with patience and meditation and everyone out of the house I set about my task and was successful!!!!
This box isn't nearly as nice as the other one, has some cracks and one of the inside writing surface had been replaced. Probably by my dad, which makes me think he probably found this in a junk store or maybe a garage sale??? I wish I knew..... In any case, I think it's pretty cool and wanted to share it with you. Let me know what you think!
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[Invictus Maneo]

Damn, my photos didn't attach!

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Okay , much better! Guess it didn't like the edited versions !

[Invictus Maneo]

And I have NO idea why it double posted all the pics. Sorry
Also sorry it's sort of blurry. My hands still shake pretty bad after heart surgery last year.
I'm NOT the most tech savvy person your likely meet!

[Invictus Maneo]

Also, Richard, if you read this, do you think I should try and polish up the brass key/lock on the front and one on the top?????? Or just leave it alone? I wouldn't want to stain the wood with any solvent I might use.

[Jamiewabbit]

I dealt in antique wood work before... As in I work with them. My take would be to leave it alone, you wouldn't want to stain the patina. To enhance the beauty of the patina, use a very very light layer of wax, goddards, is not too bad. A very very thin layer. I would leave the metal solvents out

[Jamiewabbit]

Nice box you have there!