Antique Rosewood Campaign-Style Writing Slope with Brass Mounts and Inkwells
Antique Rosewood Campaign-Style Writing Slope with Brass Mounts and Inkwells
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Handsome antique writing slope or lap desk with richly figured rosewood veneer, brass corner mounts, central shaped brass cartouche, brass escutcheon, and side strap mounts. The interior opens to reveal a black leather writing surface with gilt tooled border, fitted storage compartments, and two small glass inkwells. The sloped writing panel lifts to reveal hidden storage beneath, typical of portable 19th-century correspondence boxes. The fitted front tray includes pen compartments and covered wells, with a warm secondary wood interior. The brass hardware and robust box form give it a campaign or gentleman’s travel-desk quality.
Handsome antique writing slope or lap desk with richly figured rosewood veneer, brass corner mounts, central shaped brass cartouche, brass escutcheon, and side strap mounts. The interior opens to reveal a black leather writing surface with gilt tooled border, fitted storage compartments, and two small glass inkwells. The sloped writing panel lifts to reveal hidden storage beneath, typical of portable 19th-century correspondence boxes. The fitted front tray includes pen compartments and covered wells, with a warm secondary wood interior. The brass hardware and robust box form give it a campaign or gentleman’s travel-desk quality.
6"h x 19.75"w x 10.5"d
6"h x 19.75"w x 10.5"d
Writing slopes were essential portable desks in the 19th century, used for letter writing, document storage, travel correspondence, and business affairs. Rosewood examples with brass-bound corners were especially desirable, as the brass protected the case during travel while also giving the piece a refined decorative presence. These were commonly associated with educated households, officers, merchants, and travelers.
Writing slopes were essential portable desks in the 19th century, used for letter writing, document storage, travel correspondence, and business affairs. Rosewood examples with brass-bound corners were especially desirable, as the brass protected the case during travel while also giving the piece a refined decorative presence. These were commonly associated with educated households, officers, merchants, and travelers.
Mid to late 19th century, likely Victorian period, circa 1840–1880
Mid to late 19th century, likely Victorian period, circa 1840–1880
Rosewood veneer, secondary wood interior, brass mounts, brass hardware, black leather writing surface with gilt tooling, glass inkwells
Rosewood veneer, secondary wood interior, brass mounts, brass hardware, black leather writing surface with gilt tooling, glass inkwells
Likely English or British Colonial; acquired from an Austin, TX auction house
Likely English or British Colonial; acquired from an Austin, TX auction house
Antique condition with surface scratches, wear to polish, oxidation/tarnish to brass, age-related marks to interior wood, wear/scuffing to leather writing surface, and small losses or lifting to leather/gilt border areas. Inkwells appear associated and may not be original. Key not shown; lock functionality untested.
Antique condition with surface scratches, wear to polish, oxidation/tarnish to brass, age-related marks to interior wood, wear/scuffing to leather writing surface, and small losses or lifting to leather/gilt border areas. Inkwells appear associated and may not be original. Key not shown; lock functionality untested.