Featured 19th Century British Box with Hidden Drawer?

This is the third box of the four that I bought from the same donation. I've showed you all the best, the tea caddy and the stationary box. This simpler one is a mystery, as to its purpose, but I think the donator must have collected 19th century British boxes. Except for the hidden drawer and unusual escutcheon, this box is just a plain rectangle that is 15 inches long, 10 inches wide and 5 inches tall.

I'm thinking the drawer is for paper, but I don't know. The design of the box disguises the drawer, because the lid and the drawer lip are of similar size. The dovetails seem to be handmade. The bottom is unfinished.

Am I guessing correctly? Is this also a 19th century piece and a box for writing materials, etc. - perhaps something for a ship's use? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

Despatch box?

 

Interesting. I saw something like this box called an army traveling desk.

 

I would go with the dispatch box. Clean sheets on the bottom and lock the top to keep someone from peeking at what they shouldn't see.

 

If it were a lap desk/writing slope, maybe campaign desk would be another term, the lid & base would be cut at an angle, rather than horizontally, so that when open all the way the 2 parts make sort of a triangle that provides a tilted writing surface by way of 2 panels inside that become a flat support for writing on. Typically they have places for pens & ink bottles, as well as storage for blank sheets.

This is a fancy one. Not all have drawers or hidden compartments, but some do.



https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/d...UlE4MWPA9ofyIYAAI-RoCaaoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I've been researching despatch boxes and all I can find are leather ones. "Despatch boxes were originally used by Members of Parliament to carry documents into the Commons Chamber" according to UK Parliament. I think this is the right track but I can't find anything similar called a despatch box.

 

That's the fourth box that I am going to show you, though it is missing most of the interior.

 

Here's one that has a lower drawer that is much sturdier and has the original labels - it is a painter's box
Sold at Auction: Antique 19th century English mahogany hinged lidded artist's paint box with lower drawer & brass hardware. Made for Winsor & Newton Ltd, artist suppliers & manufacturers with original gilt embossed makers mark… (invaluable.com)

 

That makes sense. Paints in the upper part and brushes in the drawer. And well used, a painter could take it into the field to work on a landscape.