Walnut Fountain Pen Box

This was the fourth in a progression of “shaped front” boxes, and the first to incorporate a hidden release drawer. The box holds my modest collection of fountain pens, but could equally serve as a jewelry box.

This box is 11 1/4” wide, 5” tall, and 8 1/2’ deep. It is veneered in walnut burl. The lid is a four-way match, and the sides are a two-way match. It was a challenging box to veneer, as the combination of curved surfaces and very close tolerances converge to create challenging shapes.

The substrate is Baltic birch ply, walnut solids, and MDF. The edging is boxwood, bordered by a black/black/white/black line. The lock escutcheon is brass, from www.WhiteChapel-Ltd.com as is the full mortise lock. The English-made Queen Anne handles are from www.LeeValley.com .

The drawer front is shaped on the inside to reflect the exterior shape and provide a bit more usable space inside. The release mechanism is spring loaded, and activated by the small turned betel nut knob located at the rear of the open lid. When raised, the drawer pops out a bit so it can be easily opened. When the drawer is pushed back in, the drawer latches back into the closed position. It is an elegant and reliable mechanism designed by Andrew Crawford.

I try to provide a surprise when the box is opened or turned upside down. The interior is lined with dark green pig suede leather, and incorporates a single offset tray of African blackwood, and inner partitions that hold a single bottle of Pelican “Edelstein” ink, chosen in part for its shapely glass bottle.

The inner edges of the lid and base are highlighted by a subtle white/black/white line. The hinges are Andrew Crawford’s smartHinges. I decided to also cover the bottom with leather, complementing the interior. The finish is French polish.

I’ve created a 112 page “photo documentary” which allows the reader to “look over my shoulder” throughout the construction of this box. It includes nearly 200 photographs and describes each step in considerable detail. It is available for download from www.smartBoxmaker.com. It is, perhaps, the most complete description ever published for a single box. LOL

Thanks everyone for looking in.
Roger