A George III / IV mahogany apothecary box with secret compartment
Code: 10076
Dimensions:
A fine quality Georgian mahogany campaign apothecary box.
Supplied with the original key which still locks the doors, to the top of the box is a well constructed flush brass campaign carry handle.
The handle style along with its compact design suggests this was a ship doctor’s box.
The box is additionally sought after due to the rear of the box having a secret compartment.
This is accessed by a thumb button inside the case (illustrated in one of the listing images).
Once pulled forward the compartment is released and slides open.
Once opened the original glass bottles with their stoppers can be found, each in fabric lined compartments.
With the various highly controlled substances being administered, the secret compartment was needed to keep the stronger medicines away from prying eyes.
This would certainly be needed whilst out at sea, when sailors may turn to taking these drugs without permission.
To the interior are fabric lined compartments to the centre and each door.
To the base are two drawers, one with the original sections which would have housed a glass pestle and mortar, weights and scales etc.
*please note the coloured glass poison bottles are for illustration purposes only*
Dimensions :-
Box measures
27.8cm tall
22.7cm wide
19cm deep
Right hand Door compartments
Top row:-
Approx 27mm wide
116mm tall
42mm deep
Bottom row :-
118mm tall
Left hand door
25-26mm wide
Centre section
45mm wide
115mm tall
51mm deep
Secret compartment
49mm wide
40mm deep
95mm tall
The box has survived incredibly well with only minor wear and tear.
It’s an absolute wonderful quality example.
Some small areas of loss to fabric lining.
Collection in person by appointment from our showroom.
