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Auction: 25066 - Historical Documents, Autographs and Ephemera
Lot: 265

Mauritius / Malaya
Sir Frank Swettenham (1850-1946)
1909 Black leather despatch box with the Royal cypher of King Edward VII in the centre, with all lettering in gilt, used by "F.A. SWETTENHAM, K.C.M.G. (CHAIRMAN) / MAURITIUS ROYAL COMMISSION 1909". Swettenham was the First Resident General of the Federated Malayan States (1896-1901). In 1909 he was tasked with looking into the affairs of Mauritius and this Government Box would have been issued to him to hold his private and secret papers.
Brass handle to the left side of the box, with the original security lock officially neutralised, two rings preventing the box from locking. Manufactured by Wickwar & Co, Jermyn Street, London.
A unique item from the personal collection of Swettenham (18x6x12 inches)

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Estimate
£950 to £1,200

Starting price
£900