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 ANTIQUE BOXES
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Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
THUMBNAIL INDEX OF WRITING BOXES

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Writing Box and Slope History   |  Visual Index | Request current  list of available writing boxes.
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A Captains Box with secret drawers and compartments and accessories for dressing Circa 1800 Enlarge Picture WB441: Writing slope in rosewood and satinwood (inside) with mother of pearl inlay circa 1835. This is a writing slope of exceptionally high quality. The outside is veneered in saw cut rosewood inlaid with mother of pearl. The inlay is executed with precision in two different ways: The central and corner parts have the floral patterns outlined in rosewood with the mother of pearl surrounding them; the main encircling part is made out of mother of pearl inlaid into the rosewood. On examining the rosewood patterns closely, one can see fine lines separating the leaves, a sure sign that the box retains its original finish. The design is both elegant and robust, straddling the time between the neoclassical and the naturalistic period. The patterns are symmetrical and rendered with control of line and space. This shows the neoclassical influence. There are also neoclassical motifs such as the anthemion, acanthus leaves and palmettes. However the flowers, although symmetrically arranged and stylised, have more than a hint to naturalistic aspirations and the neoclassical motifs are integrated within the whole composition. The garland, although controlled and defined within a perfect oval, loops and curls in fluid movement like a living trellis. Inside the box has a pen tray and lift up lids. The underside of the lids has at some stage been stained. There is one original inkwell with a silver plated screw on top. The writing surface is covered in subtly embossed velvet, which we think is a later replacement, but very close to what a box of this period cud have had. The interior of the box continues the high standard of quality and it is veneered in satinwood. Small crack/repair on the top part of the veneer, perceptible when the box is closely examined. Working lock and key.Enlarge Picture WB475: Important rare brass bound solid mahogany ship captain's campaign writing box with complex secret drawers and compartments including a false bottom. The box retains its original green felt writing surface, pounce and inkwell. The box also has a screw down mechanism enabling it be attached to a table. There is also a reading stand which is attached to the top surface when the box is held at an angle with an adjustable hinged brass catch. Circa 1800. Enlarge Picture WB463: Writing slope in rosewood with brass inlay circa 1820. It is veneered in saw cut rosewood on mahogany and it is inlaid in brass.Inside the box has lidded compartments for pens, wax etc and two screw top distinctive inkwells. Enlarge Picture WB464: Writing slope veneered in saw cut coromandel inlaid with engraved mother of pearl and abalone by Mapin of London and Sheffield. Circa 1845. 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. Working lock and key. Enlarge Picture WB465: Writing box veneered in walnut circa 1875. Writing box veneered in figured walnut with rounded brass surround and fine brass stringing. The brass acts both ad decoration and protection. The interior is veneered in ebonised wood. The writing surface is covered in the original gold embossed leather. There is a second lock to the flap and two secret drawers. Enlarge Picture
Writing box veneered in figured walnut circa 1880: Writing box veneered in figured walnut, with rounded brass surround and brass lines. Strong Bramah lock. Inside the box is veneered in ebonised wood. The writing surface is lined in the original blue gold-embossed leather. The inkwells are added (new). The flap lifts to a mahogany interior. There are two secret drawers. Working lock and key.<br> Enlarge Picture WB468: Writing box veneered in saw cut ebony veneer inlaid with mother of pearl circa 1840. This box is of outstanding quality. The beautifully iridescent mother of pearl enlivens the austere ebony which in turn provides a complimentary background with its subtle dark sheen. The design is of stylised flora which refers to the neoclassical tradition of the late 18th and early 19th century, but looks forward to the later period with its undulations and loops which suggest real plant growth. The pattern with its swirling symmetry suggests the moment in aesthetic history when the poise of neoclassicism was injected with the energy of naturalism, without losing control of design or tightness of execution. The flowers and leaves are exquisite. There are small sunflowers and acanthus leaves and a stylised split acanthus with a diamond shape in the centre of the ebony. The acanthus is a classical motif, but here it takes its place in a rich and vibrant design intermingling with trellised and swirling plant life. The central design forms a diamond made up of four triangles centred by a circle. The triangles are a tour de force of symmetry, a true technical feat. The rounded floral motifs are contained within the straight lines of the overall design. The stems are incredibly thin as are many of the other elements which form the flowers and leaves. Bearing in mind that ebony and shell are very hard materials, such work requires skill of the highest calibre and a considerable amount of time. The lines which form the design are very delicate and yet they build up to a pattern of strength and vitality. Enlarge Picture Solid mahogany writing box in typical late 18th century style c1790. This box is similar to that used by Jane Austen. Enlarge Picture WB470: 18th century Writing box in saw cut mahogany veneer with inlay on oak. This is a saw cut veneered mahogany box on an oak base. It is crossbanded in a line of varied woods which is separated by boxwood stringing from another band od crossbanding in fruitwood. The whole is edged in boxwood. On the top there is an oval cartouche which is inlaid in a motif of oak leaves and acorns. The inlay is executed in maple darkened with sand scorching on a ground of naturally greened wood (probably holly attacked by fungus). There is a side drawer which can be pulled out when the box is open and the securing brass pin is pulled out. Under the top flap, the last section lifts to reveal a secret compartment. There are two reproduction inkwells.The writing surface is covered in blue velvet which is not original.There is a working lock and key. Enlarge Picture WB466: Writing box veneered in richly figured walnut dated 1892. This box is veneered with striking pieces of wood, the centre of the top is burr encircled by wavy figure. The box is strengthened and enhanced with rounded brass and accented with fine brass lines. It has a strong Bramah lock. The box is veneered inside with ebonised wood. It has a second lock on the flap. The writing surface is covered in the original gold embossed leather. There are two reproduction inkwells. There are two secret drawers. Working locks and keys. Enlarge Picture wb138: A fine French mid 19th century red tortoiseshell and brass boulle writing slope of curvilinear form with engraved brass contrasted with tortoiseshell to all sides, opening to a velvet (replacement )covered writing slope and compartments for stationary and writing tools having two original inkwells, and a working lock and key. The inside is veneered in tulipwood and highly finished Circa 1850. Enlarge Picture
Index of Tea Caddies WB171: Flame mahogany writing box with brass shield shape name plate, and escutcheon, brass corners and straps opening to a fitted interior with velvet covered writing slope, compartments for writing tools and inkwells. Under the writing surface there are places for storing papers. There are also secret drawers concealed behind a sprung panel released by pulling on one of the divisions. Circa 1845. Enlarge Picture WB172: A coromandel writing box, the front and top inlaid with brass, the sides and back ebonized, opening to a fitted interior with embossed leather writing surface, and compartments for paper and writing instruments, Circa 1860. Enlarge Picture A Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening brass bound Writing Box circa 1815 Enlarge Picture wb141: Antique writing box / lap desk, the top and front decorated with marquetry in contrasting rosewood and birds eye maple depicting stylized themes from nature, opening down to reveal a green baize velvet writing surface and compartments for pens and writing instruments. There are compartments for holding paper under the flaps. Circa 1840. Enlarge Picture Antique Extremely rare 18th century writing box with chinoiserie decoration Circa 1740-1760 Enlarge Picture WB144: Mahogany late 18th century writing box the top inlaid with maple inlay depicting a patera and edged with a cross banding in laburnum to the top. The box has drop side handles and a side drawer for papers. Inside there is a leather covered writing surface and further compartments for papers and writing implements. The box also has a riser mechanism to enable it to be used as a reading stand/ lectern. circa 1790. Enlarge Picture
A rare Regency rosewood metamorphic writing/sewing box with brass edging and inlay, opening up to form a chest of drawers above a writing slope complete with inkwells and sewing tools.Circa 1810. WB150: Antique Regency highly figured rosewood writing box brass accents and countersunk carrying handles opening to an embossed leather (replacement) writing surface, compartments for writing instruments and paper and having a nest of secret drawers, and a working lock and key, Circa 1820. Enlarge Picture WB151: A rosewood writing slope of with fine brass and ebony inlay. The upper flap covers compartments for pens and inkwells. The lower flap opens down to a velvet (replacement) covered writing surface framed with a cross-banding of rosewood. the box retains an original inkwell. There is a compartment for holding paper under the writing surface. 1820 Enlarge Picture WB152: Regency brass edged mahogany writing box countersunk brass handles opening to green baize writing surface and compartments for pens and inkwells, having compartments for paper under the flaps. The box retains two original inkwells one with its original silver plated top. circa 1800. Enlarge Picture Georgian mahogany writing slope circa 1790

A Rare Penwork Writing Slope Circa 1800

Index of Sewing boxes Brass bound Solid mahogany writing box of dovetail construction in the military style with drop side handles and side drawer for papers. Inside there is a sloping leather writing surface (mid Victorian replacement). There are further compartments for papers and writing implements. There is a nest of secret drawers hidden behind a panel. The box also has an adjustable riser enabling it to be used as a reading stand 1790 Enlarge Picture A rare late 18th Century stained beech tambour top writing box Enlarge Picture Regency brass edged rosewood writing box with brass accents, countersunk brass handles circa 1815  Enlarge Picture Antique writing slope/ lap desk, the top decorated with marquetry in contrasting rosewood and birds eye maple depicting stylized themes from nature, opening down to reveal an embossed royal purple velvet writing surface and compartments for pens and writing instruments. There is a compartment for holding paper under the flap circa 1840 Enlarge Picture Brazilian Rosewood writing slope of c 1790 inlaid with exotic and native woods WB154: Antique figured rosewood writing box with rounded edges, and countersunk brass carrying handles, finely inlaid to the top with mother of pearl depicting stylized curved foliage and birds, opening to an embossed leather (replacement) writing surface and compartments for writing implements and paper, and having a further side drawer for paper. The box retains two original inkwells with silver plated tops. Circa 1840 Enlarge Picture

An Early 19th C solid mahogany Captains writing box with elaborate secret compartments screw-down mechanism and historical associations

A brass bound solid rosewood writing box with side drawer, secret drawers, countersunk carrying handles a pair of inkwells .Enlarge Picture An extremely rare writing box, made as a special commission, featuring Masonic symbols on a parquetry background. Circa 1840 Enlarge Picture A Tunbridge ware writing slope veneered in well figured and beautifully patinated walnut. The main picture depicts Eastnor Castle Circa 1875. A brass bound walnut veneered writing box opening to an embossed leather writing surface and compartments for writing implements and paper. circa 1860 Enlarge Picture Antique Burr Walnut Writing Box with Brass Surround, Secret Drawers, and Bramah Lock circa 1870. Enlarge Picture
Request current  list of available writing boxes. WB153: Antique figured rosewood writing box with rounded edges, and countersunk brass carrying handles, inlaid to the top and front with fine inlays of mother of pearl depicting stylized curved foliage, opening to an embossed leather (replacement) writing surface and compartments for writing implements and paper. The box also has secret drawers hidden behind a sprung panel. Circa 1840. Enlarge Picture A writing slope of c1810 decorated with a floral border in penwork Fine Betjemann Writing Slope With Neo Gothic mounts inlaid with pietra dura Circa 1880 wbbetja07.jpg (91539 bytes) A Very Fine Important and extremely Rare Brass inlaid Rosewood Writing Box Circa 1810 by Bayley's of London. A Tunbridge ware writing slope veneered with rosewood and decorated with micro mosaic depicting floral subjects. Circa 1850 A very fine Regency Rosewood writing box with brass inlay Circa 1820
An early 19th century partridgewood writng box with inlaid banding and decorated with a hand coloured engraving depicting a winged Victory ahead of a Classical laurelled hero riding in his chariot, having side carrying handles a drawer, inner velvet writing surface and places for writing materials and accessories. Enlarge Picture A rare faux rosewood writing slope commemorating the Brighton storms of the Early 19th Century Enlarge Picture Delightful compact easel/ drawing-box with painted decoration circa 1830 Enlarge Picture An Early 19th Century Captains Box with elaborate secret drawers and compartments Fitted with dressing accessories By George Palmer London A Very Fine Writing Box Veneered with Ebony and Inlaid with metal and Abalone shell by Hausburg of Liverpool Circa 1850. A Coromandel Writing box inlaid With Mother of Pearl and Abalone depicting exotic horsemen, Circa 1850. wbcormop03.jpg (79699 bytes)
A Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening brass bound Writing Box circa 1815 Enlarge Picture Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening brass bound Writing Box circa 1810 with original inkwells and secret drawers Enlarge Picture A Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening Writing Box circa 1810 wbtoma03.jpg (61577 bytes) A Fine Rosewood writing slope inlaid with mother of pearl depicting Scottish motifs Circa 1830 Hygra: beautifully grained wood contrasted with impeccable brass inlay: Regency Bulh Anglo Indian Sadeli mosaic Writing slope circa 1840. hygras10in30.jpg (85960 bytes)

A Georgian Mahogany Writing box in the military style Circa 1800

  Early Tunbridge Ware Parquetry Writing Box/ Slope/ Lap Desk circa 1800 Dark mahogany writing box inlaid with brass Circa 1820. Rare painted polychrome penwork writing slope Circa 1810 Enlarge Picture A Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening Writing Box and Dressing Box circa 1800 A Particularly High Quality Regency Brass Edged mahogany Writing box Circa 1810
Rosewood Writing Slope/ Lap Desk with Penwork decoration circa 1790 Victorian Figured Walnut Writing Box Circa 1870. wbwalnbrsm03.jpg (101958 bytes) A Captains Box with elaborate secret drawers and compartments Circa 1800 Some details of a captains box of about 1800 A Brazilian Rosewood Writing Box with Brass Corners and Bindings Circa 1840 Antique Writing Box in rosewood and birds eye maple. wbbimrw01.jpg (62197 bytes)
Writing Slope in Rosewood and Maple Marquetry, Circa 1840 A double opening  or triple writing box of c1810 Amboina Early Victorian Writing Box/ Lap Desk Gadrooned with Ebony circa 1840 Burr Walnut Writing Box Edged in Brass, Circa 1860 Exceptional Regency Rosewood Triple Opening Writing Box with adjustable reading stand Circa 1825 Enlarge Picture A Campaign Box with elaborate secret drawers and compartments Circa 1800 wbagsec01.jpg (65193 bytes)
           rosewood writing slope of c1835 with fine mother of pearl inlay A double opening  or triple ivory inlaid Indian rosewood writing box  circa 1870 Victorian Figured Walnut Writing Box Circa 1880 Burr Chestnut Curved Writing Slope / Lap Desk Circa 1840 A Rare late 18th Century Mahogany, Tambour Top Writing Box Circa 1800 Georgian Mahogany Brass bound Writing Box circa 1790
double Opening or Triple  Writing box veneered in very thick strongly figured Brazilian rosewood and inlaid with mother of pearl A Brass Bound Mahogany Writing Box Circa 1840 Georgian Mahogany Triple Opening Writing Box circa 1800 Superb Regency Writing Box/ Lap Desk in Brazilian Rosewood circa 1815

 

 

Writing Box and Slope History   |   Request current  list of available writing boxes.

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The Schiffer book for collectors Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies and Society 1700-1880. by Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly is now in print and can be ordered from the link www.hygra.com/book


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