In mixed hardwood including rosewood, mahogany and others with pine secondary wood, lid is inlaid with scene of two soldiers in broad brimmed hats carrying a third on a canopied litter with flanking inlaid flowers and inlaid geometric surround. Top also has divided compartment for pens, ink bottles and sanders with nicely scroll cut gallery at back and sides. Open to freveal one of the most unusual divided interiors we have seen with black leather covered writing surface with lower section opening for paper storage and upper section opening to freveal a lift out divided shelf with 14 compartments, two felt covered pin cushions and 8 isosolice triangular compartments with beautifully beveled hardwood fitted lids with turned wooden knobs and 4 square compatments in corners with matching lids, two drawers above and hidden compartment with sliding door in lower back of base. Case is fully hand cut dovetailed construction, circa 1850, with old likely original varnish finish, 18 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 7 3/4 inches high.Minor wear to varnish and leather tab for opening writing surface replaced, else Fine.