Lovely late 19th / early 20th century portable tool or instrument chest in solid timber with a warm old finish, fitted with a leather carry handle to the top and a fall-front locking door that reveals three long internal drawers. The carcass is dovetailed at the corners, the drawers are finely made and still run smoothly, and it has its original little turned knobs in a mellow brass/wood tone. The scale and layout suggest it would have travelled with a working professional – machinist, watch repair, draughtsman, possibly even medical or scientific instruments – rather than being a domestic jewellery box. It has that proper gentleman’s kit / campaign energy.

The exterior has honest wear, edge knocks, bruising to the top moulding, old finish losses and surface marks from years of use in the field. The leather handle is worn but still attached on its brass mounts. Inside, the drawers are clean and usable, lined with that slightly darkened, work-soft felted base you want to see, not a modern refit. The fall-front panel hooks closed on a simple latch at the top.

This is perfect as a desk organiser, watch and cufflink chest, hobby tool keeper, paint or calligraphy kit, or just as sculpture in an old money study or workshop-style interior. It drops into cottagecore, steampunk, and gentleman’s den styling without feeling staged.

Approximate size: 40 cm wide x 27 cm high x 22 cm deep, which is about 15.7 in wide x 10.6 in high x 8.7 in deep.

Condition is structurally sound and completely charming, with age-related scuffs, patina, and the expected marks of service. No modern varnish gloss, no over-restoration.