Antique Burr Walnut Writing Slope Mother Of Pearl Cartouche Marquetry Banding

A writing slope (also called a lap desk) was a portable writing desk used mainly during the 19th century. People used them for writing letters before desks were common in many homes. They were popular in the Victorian era (1837–1901).

Burr walnut veneer

• The swirling grain on the lid is burr walnut, a luxury veneer used on better Victorian boxes.

Decorative marquetry banding

• The geometric borders are wood inlay (marquetry), often inspired by work from the Tunbridge Wells decorative wood industry.

Mother-of-pearl cartouche

Writing surface

• The purple lining would originally have been leather or velvet writing surface where paper rested while writing.

• Date: around 1860–1880

• Origin: likely England

• Style: Victorian portable writing desk

Condition notes:

• Escutcheon (keyhole plate) missing

• Damage around the keyhole veneer

• Interior writing surface worn

• Missing original inkwells

Measures 30cm long x 23cm wide x 14cm tall

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