with Brass Queen Victoria Insignia. Circa 1855. Box is of rectangular form clad with burl walnut, with ebony purfling and fitted with recessed brass handles, top centering insignia of Queen Victoria, opening to reveal hinged writing surface inset with green leather above open compartments for letters and stationery, with pencil scoop and compartments for inkwell and supplies. Manufactured by F. L. Hausburg, Liverpool, maker's mark embossed upon leather looped holder for writing implements. Good condition with rubbing and wear consistent with age, leather writing surface is replacement. H5 1/8" W14" D9 1/2" Friedrich Ludwig Hausburg (1817-1886) was born in Berlin and immigrated to England. His naturalization was accelerated and signed by Queen Victoria suggesting the intervention of the Prussian Court. Hausburg initially traded with his uncle August Wilhelm Promoli, first in Paris and then from the Old Post Office Buildings at 24 Church Street in Liverpool. Clocks have been recorded bearing the names of both men. Their business selling both imported and British-made items prospered and in 1841 passed into the sole ownership of Hausburg.