Ralph Wedgwood (1766-1837)
Writing box with copying mechanism early nineteenth century
15.0 x 45.5 x 43.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 35490
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A red leather-covered and gilt-bronze mounted patent writing box (stylograph or noctograph) for copying documents, the hinged lid mounted with a lion mask and a snake swallowing its tail, with Prince of Wales' feathers and the letters GPR, with corner mounts; containing rollers for copying paper, a slope, three letter racks and a pen tray.
Provenance
Ralph Wedgwood (cousin of Josiah Wedgwood, the ceramicist), patented a method of copying documents in 1806, using the first version of carbon paper. The paper was impregnated on both sides and sandwiched between two sheets of writing paper. The writer would work with a metal stylus to produce two copies of the same document. The invention made a profit of £10,000 within the first seven years of its patent.
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Creator(s)
(manufacturer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Measurements
15.0 x 45.5 x 43.0 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)
