Viscountess Lewisham. An Edwardian Wickwar Red Leather Despatch Box C 1901
 
Description
WICKWAR, MANUFACTURER, POLAND STREET, LONDON
A small Red Leather Despatch Box C1910, the bevelled top, with central recessed handle, embossed VISCOUNTESS LEWISHAM* below a Viscountess's coronet, the black leather lined interior with raised sides and locating studs for rigidity. The lock is stamped J. Needs & Co. 100 New Bond Street. W. Late J. Bramah, 124 Piccadilly. (This dates the box to be C 1901). Wickwar's name and address appears alongside.
It is understood that this box was damaged in the blitz in London during the 2nd World war. It was badly burnt, and has now been partially restored. The lock has been restored retaining all five wafers, and a period key supplied.
*The Dispatch Box belonged to Lady Ruperta Wynn-Carington (1883-1963), third daughter of the 1st Marquess of Lincolnshire. She married William Legge, GCVO, TD, (who was Viscount Lewisham from 1891-1936) and succeeded to being 7th Earl of Dartmouth in 1936.
 
Declaration
This item is antique. The date of manufacture has been declared as 1910.
Dimensions
Height = 9 cm (3.5") 
Width = 38 cm (15.0") 
Depth = 15 cm (5.9")