Description:

WB464: Writing slope veneered in saw cut coromandel inlaid with engraved mother of pearl and abalone Circa 1845 by Mappin of London and Sheffield.
This is a stunning slope, the dark wood with waves of golden figuring, decorated with floral designs in mother of pearl and abalone shell. The shells are selected so that their colour and iridescence contribute to the artistic appeal of the whole. The white flowers surrounded by green stems and leaves. The petals and leaves are further defined by engraved lines. Unlike the earlier neoclassical designs, the flowers are recognisable, although there is an eccentric note in a bud within a flower in the central bouquet; a quirky note in a naturalistic design.
The interior continues the high quality with abalone lines giving an iridescent outline to the coromandel outline and lids. There are two original silver plated inkwells. The writing surface is covered in a replacement gold embossed leather.
Under the flap there is highly iridescent satinwood. Unusually for a slope there are also secret drawers in coromandel and satinwood. 
Initials?
Working lock and key.

Origin: UK made by MAPPIN & COMPANY MAKERS SHEFFIELD & LONDON

Circa: 1845

Materials:

Size: 40.7 cm by 26.5  cm by 10.8 (65) cm high when closed:  16 inches by 10.4  inches by   4.3 (2.5) inches  high when closed

Condition:

The interior continues the high quality with abalone lines giving an iridescent outline to the coromandel outline and lids. There are two original silver plated inkwells. 

The writing surface is covered in a replacement gold embossed leather.

Under the flap there is highly iridescent satinwood. 

A

The white flowers surrounded by green stems and leaves. The petals and leaves are further defined by engraved lines. Unlike the earlier neoclassical designs, the flowers are recognisable, although there is an eccentric note in a bud within a flower in the central bouquet; a quirky note in a naturalistic design.

 All the hardware such as the hinges is of exceptional quality. Webb were a major manufacturer of silver ware throughout the 19th c. The hinges are engraved and gilded. 

Under the flap there is highly iridescent satinwood. Unusually for a slope there are also secret drawers in coromandel and satinwood. 

A

Unusually for a slope there are also secret drawers in coromandel and satinwood. 

 The secret drawers are made with solid satinwood and constructed with fine dovetail joints.

 The sprung panel which conceals the secret drawers is made with satinwood with a coromandel edge to the top.

The box has a gilded brass plate  set into the facing which reads: 
"MAPPIN & COMPANY MAKERS SHEFFIELD & LONDON"

Mappin Brothers were originally established in 1810 and were important exporters of silverware and luxury goods to the "colonies". The firm evolved into Mappin and Webb.

Advertisements would be put in such  papers as "Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle". to tell of the arrival of new shipments from London.. 

There are two original silver plated inkwells.