Burr Chestnut Curved Writing Slope / Lap Desk Circa 1840

ANTIQUE BOXES
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Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
Writing Boxes

Writing Boxes

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Burr Chestnut Curved Writing Slope / Lap Desk Circa 1840

A quality writing slope in burr chestnut, marked on a small plaque inside Parkins and Gotto. The slope is superior to a standard example. The top part is gently rounded. The inside and the pen tray part, are veneered in satinwood which contrasts well with the coromandel facings of the writing surface. Inside it is impeccably finished, and unusually for a slope, it has secret drawers.

14" wide. Circa 1840.

The pen and ink compartments are made of satinwood with a contrasting ebony bead to the edges. The pair of inkwells are retained.

The slope retains its original blue velvet writing tablet which is embossed with gold.

The box is marked on a small plaque Parkins and Gotto.

Parkins and Gotto, who were at 24 and 25 Oxford St , London were renowned for their use of interesting timbers.

The large expanses of shimmering satinwood convey a real sense of luxury.

The sprung panel concealing the secret drawers is released by pressing on the wall of the box inside the right hand nib compartment. This is an unusual method of opening.

The turned ebony handles on the drawers scream quality.

The escutcheon and the central plaque are in mother of pearl.

The burr chestnut has a particular grain and has patinated gracefully.

For the historical context of this writing box read the relevant part of Antigone's Online Antique Box Book. If you click here you will go there.

We have written a highly illustrated book on Antique Boxes and Tea caddies which is being published by Schiffer Books USA. This box has been specially photographed for inclusion.