catalog text
ENGLISH ROSEWOOD WRITING SLOPE
Circa early-to-mid 19th century
Item # 801EZX27
A lovely letter writing box, the exterior is dressed with full width and depth rosewood veneers carefully applied to flow between seams of the writing slope. Heavy gauge brass mounts are affixed with hand cut screws, allowing delicate corners to be protected in a piece that was intended for regular use. The original key opens the brass lock (marked in triplicate Patent) to reveal a fitted interior of two ink wells flanking a pen cove, under which a small storage space is accessed. An early and beautifully tooled leather writing surface remains in fine condition; tiny brass tabs in the lower slope are depressed to allow access to the document storage. A crafty sprung brass button is released by opening the slope, allowing the full depth drawer to be released from the side of the case. Inside the slope is retained an early quill dip pen with the name of Isaac Parkes circa 1849 and a registry number.
Measurements: 17 3/4” W x 9 3/4” D x 6 3/4” H [closed]; 19 1/2” D [opened]
Condition Report:
Scuffs and discoloration from age appropriate use. Old french polish dulled with an overall patina from time. Spot of veneer missing beside side drawer and side drawer has a shrinkage crack in the underside. Small brass dot missing from one corner of writing surface. Pink stringing later in lower document compartment. Some fading to the rosewood exterior and age appropriate wear. Includes one working key. Box does not close completely due to some shrinkage - the raised lock catch rubs a bit and the top must be pushed a bit to get it to close.