Intricately Carved, Middle Eastern, Wooden Document Box with Secret Compartment

Description: There are a number of items I have purchased in the past that I thought I would keep forever. They're special. They mean a lot to me. This box is one of them. It is time to pass it on to someone who will care for it as much as I have. This box is ornately carved by hand and has its original key. The box lightly locks (would not be secure for anything of value). Unusually finger-jointed on the front and back; yet, dovetailed on both sides. Removable inner tray. The top and all 4 sides are hand-carved. There is a hidden drawer at the bottom of the box! Pull up on the top of a small rod located on the right interior side, and the drawer slides out. I believe the box to be from Yemen, ca. 1915. It measures approximately 9 x 6 x 6 inches. The bottom of the box has been professionally repaired, keeping the original half in place. The other 1/2 had been damaged before I purchased it at auction. (Refer to photo.) History behind this piece...... There was a note in the box saying that it belonged to Karl Twitchell. After extensive research, I contacted Princeton University's Mudd Manuscript Library. I was sent a photo of King Faisal who ruled Saudi Arabia from1964-1975, with Karl Twitchell, who did the exploration work in the 30s that opened the way for Saudi Arabia's oil business, and a few other men. Please refer to last 2 photos. I was told that Karl had a son, living in CT. I wrote to Harry Twitchell (see typed letter), Karl's son, and ask him about the photo. He called and told me that he believed the photo was taken when his father went over to see the refining practice at the Perth Amboy Plant with King Faisal. He thought that the 4th man from the left could be his father; although the image is very dim. All of this info and more is contained with the enclosed letter and record of my phone conversation with Harry. I have done my best at summarizing what I know. If you would like a closer look at the letter and my notes from the phone conversation with Harry, please let me know. (Package weighs almost 4 pounds.) Please ask all questions that you might have before purchasing, making an offer, or placing a bid. Payment accepted through eBay/PayPal only. I only ship to the continental US. Currently, if I do not receive payment within 4 days from the end of the auction, eBay will automatically re-list the item. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the item when you receive it, please contact me immediately. Thank you so very much for your interest!

Price: 435 USD

Location: New Haven, Vermont

End Time: 2024-11-24T00:17:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD