Early 19th Century English Mahogany Traveling Lap Desk Writing Slope Box

Description

Patina Perfection!! A heavily aged English campaign style traveling lap desk from the early 1800s.

This Georgian period military officer's … more Patina Perfection!! A heavily aged English campaign style traveling lap desk from the early 1800s.

This Georgian period military officer's style mahogany travel box features the most beautiful patina over the whole exterior, that is nicely aged, warm, rustic, naturally distressed, with attractive mahogany coloring and antique wood glow, finished in a hand waxed and polished lustrous sheen.

Writing desks such as this were first used by officer's when travelling on a military campaign in the field, giving officers a quick way to have a desk available for correspondence at any time. Shortly after, merchants travelling the trade routes by horse, stagecoach, or rail began to utilize this style writing box.

Rectangular box form, featuring a hinged lid top affixed with patinated brass hinges, the top lifting open to reveal and create a blue felt lined flat surface that serves as a writing slope, with five slot divided compartment storage for writing instruments and accessories (inkwells, pens, etc..) hand carved and molded concave wooden block pen tray, (inkwells, pens, etc..) Both sides of the felt lined work surface can be unlatched and folded over to reveal an additional large storage compartment (the bottom wood piece is missing so anything stored on one side will not be contained within the box. circa 1810

Provenance:
Aquired from a very fine quality Raleigh, North Carolina private collection.

Dimensions: (approx)
6" High, 19" Wide, 10" Deep
Open: expands to 20.25" Deep

Detailed Condition Report:
Good original antique condition, As-Is, with heavy wear and tear, including loss to the bottom portion of the lap desk. It would have had a thin unfinished board for the bottom/underside. The key has been lost to time, but the front lock is unlocked. Areas of minimal wear, including surface scratches and minor loss can be seen to wooden finish to both the exterior and interior, as well as some residue marks to felt lined interior. Most of the wear is minor in nature, and does not detract from the aesthetics, but only adds to the overall antique character and rich, rustic charm of this 200 year old piece. Please be sure to inspect all the photos to judge the condition for yourself. Overall, it's a great piece, and would make for a wonderfully decorative object to any space. less