Lot 941: Travellers Writing Bureau. Robert Staples Smyth. 1864. (South Australia).

Very Good. (N/A). Robert Staples Smyth passed away aged 75 at his property "Gaybrook" in Strathalbyn on June 2nd, 1913. In 1863 he was charged with forging an order for the payment of 5 pounds. In 1888 he was similarly charged for purchasing a diamond ring and eyeglasses using a valueless cheque! Yes, seems like he was a bit of a fraudster when it came to writing things, so it is highly likely that this travellers bureau bearing his name was utilised for shady purposes! Some of the leather casing is peeling off revealing the wood underneath. Opening the box, there is a latch under the lid which when released provides a solid writing "desk". A flap in the main box is a folder that lifts out to reveal compartments for fountain pens of which there are two, an ink bottle of which there is one square clear glass example, another smaller square bottle in another compartment. Down the side is a cash receipt book that has been partly used, this has some ink stains and a name on the front in pencil which is not Robert Staples Smyth. There is also a Rent Book in here from Mr E. A. Hodby of Yongala who must have been using this bureau in the 1940s. Overall, a very fascinating item and in my mind of historical significance with the links to the shyster Robert Staples Smyth who probably used this for some of his fraudulent activities.. Estimate: $100-150