Writing slope - Brass, Mahogany

Victorian Campaign-Style Brass-Bound Writing Slope with Side Drawer – circa 1880.

An attractive Victorian portable writing slope, circa 1880, with richly figured reddish-brown timber, extensive brass edging and recessed brass carrying handles. The lid features a vacant brass cartouche, complemented by a matching escutcheon to the front. Its reinforced edges and flush-fitting handles give it the practical appearance associated with campaign-style travelling furniture. The box opens to form a sloping writing surface with a tan-coloured covering. Lifting the writing panels reveals storage compartments for correspondence and papers. The interior also includes two square inkwell recesses and a central stationery compartment.

A useful additional feature is the side drawer, with its recessed brass handle and removable retaining pin. Brass fittings allow the lid to be supported at an angle, as illustrated.

A characterful piece of Victorian travelling furniture, suitable for a study, a collection of antique writing accessories or decorative display.

Condition

Antique condition with signs of age and use throughout. In generally good solid condition, the leather slope has been replaced, the lock is missing and covered with a brass plate, the brass escutcheon and cartouche and both replacements and there is a crack across the top.

This is a really beautiful box solid, heavy and substantial, an elegant functional item which is decorative too and a rare example being so complete.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. No military ownership or service provenance is claimed.

The box measures 30 x 22.5 x 17cm (11.81" x 8.86" x 6.7") and weighs 3.97kg.