Featured Wooden box with false drop down front, latch inside

Hi all - a new wooden box find, I would love any help in deducing it’s possible use, age or origin. (Found in Washington State where significant maritime transit occurred)

Box hardware all on top, one very nice brass handle with a different profile on either side. Hinges are carefully inset, wood on lid has a beautiful flame patterning, very solid. Trangular key hole (no key), and inside the top section, you can pull up a steel looking level that releases the latch for a drop down front that reveals two shelves.
Inside is well finished with a dark walnut like stain, but not smooth or fancy. Lower shelves are only stained on the outer edges. No interior wear or marks from hard objects.

dimensions - 10.75 x 6.5 x 7.75

 

Maybe for photographic plates ? just a guess. Thats a really cool box.

 

Totally guessing here but maybe for a ship’s compass and maps? Whatever it is I love it.

 

Not for a compass - dimensions don't make sense for that. I noticed 3 hinges, newer Brass hinges are very thin and 3 need to be when 2 used to suffice People have made their own personal wooden boxes so often that unless there is a makers mark/stamp you may never know - but it is fantastic. (Did I just say "Fantastic"? I meant "Very Nice" - )

 

Thanks all - I think we decided it’s purpose was as a writing box possibly with lower sections for paper or corespondents. The wood has this beautiful flame like grain. Any ideas where I could start looking about a triangular key? I tried an old sewing machine key I had but this is a very precise triangle.

 

Looking for advise where to research or locate information on a triangular key that might be for this kind of lock. I can’t find anything with a keyhole like this but think this type of lock was used most in furniture or boxes. This is in the top of an old box we deduce is an old writing box, likely 1880’s or so, perhaps older. There is no makers mark on the lock plate or anywhere on the wooden box or brass.

‘thanks - Sarah

 

Guesses French lock based on this article, I don't think English or American but, the pull is an English rosette bail handle so I dunno. Never seen this type of lock before.
http://www.antiquebox.org/category/antique-locks-and-mechanisms/

 

Yes, it is.

 

THat's flame mahogany, that is.

 

Thank you - sorry

 

Sorry I misunderstood how to post related queries

 

Try a plumbing merchant. If they have nothing suitable and you can't find the correct key or suitable piece of steel bar, then a triangular metal file will do the job; but you will need to get the tips of the teeth ground flat to prevent scratching and damage.

 

The lock is common in pianos, look for a piano key (or file down a provisional one from a brass bolt--there is no pattern or anything to it). I don't think it was meant for writing purposes but for some kind of instrument, but it now is for what you want to use it for!

 

I got a solid hint from a friend ‘Saw the exact same piece on a program, that was taking place in an 1860s Era location. The use shown was a writing box. Papers and envelopes on the shelves, ink and pens in the top, plus received letter storage.’

so I think that a good guess on the purpose - now to find a key.. thanks