S/4433 Antique Treen Tunbridge Ware Inlaid Rosewood Go to Bed

A rare Tunbridge Ware inlaid rosewood go to bed, for both a candle and match, having a circular top with geometric inlay in various different woods, that has a central bone candlestick to receive a small candle, and to the side there is a bone collar for a match. The centre section is octagonal and again inlaid with geometric inlay. The top unscrews to reveal three divided compartments for the storage of candles and matches. Interestingly, the triple stepped circular concave base, with concentric circles to act as a striker, also unscrews, which is a most unusual feature and probably was used for wafer seals. Go to beds were often found on desk tops and used to light and melt sealing wax for letters. It is a rare and real collector's item, and the whole has an excellent colour and patination.

Sold 3½ in. (9 cm.) High
2 in. (5 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1840