A superb example of 19th-century campaign furniture, this roll-top writing slope is crafted from solid camphor wood and bound in brass to all edges, combining durability with elegant design. The fall front bears a central brass plaque. Cleverly designed, the lower drawer activates the roll-top mechanism above, which glides open to reveal a pop-up compartment fitted with a bank of pigeonholes. The writing surface is lined in green baize and conceals a charming secret compartment containing two drawers. The mellow tone and rich patination of the camphor wood, developed over years of use and care, lend this piece warmth and character. In excellent antique condition, with only minor marks commensurate with age, this beautifully engineered and highly functional writing box would make a distinguished addition to any study, library, or collector’s cabinet.

Physical Dimensions

Height

27cm (10.63")

Width

52.5cm (20.67")

Depth

42cm (16.54")

Declaration

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors has dated this Camphor Wood Writing Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1169429

Dealers Internal Reference

SAI3907

Dealers Notes

All measurements are done to the widest point .

Please feel free to contact me with any enquiry or for more pictures .

Delivery :

We can arrange to deliver any where in the world just let us know your destination and we will get a quote for you .

Here at Sinclair's Antiques and Interiors we do our utmost best to ensure all our items are described and photographed to show any flaws or damage such as shrinkage splits, losses or lifts to veneer, repairs or marks. However giving the age and the fact that each piece will have had years of polishing to create its own individual character we cannot describe every minor mark separately and therefore recommend you either visit our warehouse or request extra photographs.

We offer a 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with any of your items purchased from us however cannot refund the return shipping cost.

If you are not sure please do not purchase without contacting us.

Description

“

Cleverly designed, the lower drawer activates the roll-top mechanism above, which glides open to reveal a pop-up compartment fitted with a bank of pigeonholes.

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

The writing surface is lined in green baize and conceals a charming secret compartment containing two drawers. The mellow tone and rich patination of the camphor wood, developed over years of use and care, lend this piece warmth and character. In excellent antique condition, with only minor marks commensurate with age, this beautifully engineered and highly functional writing box would make a distinguished addition to any study, library, or collector’s cabinet.

Physical Dimensions

Height

27cm (10.63")

Width

52.5cm (20.67")

Depth

42cm (16.54")

Date of Manufacture

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors has dated this Camphor Wood Writing Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1169429

Dealers Internal Ref

SAI3907

About the Dealer

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

A family run business , second generation of antique dealers est 1977 with 3 warehouses over 6000 sq ft

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

PDF

SAVE

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top.

1 / 19

Archive I

Camphor Wood Roll Top Writing Box

Archive II

Archive III

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View III

Archive IV

Scale Reference for A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top.

Archive V

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View V

Archive VI

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View VI

Archive VII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View VII

Archive VIII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View VIII

Archive IX

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View IX

Archive X

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View X

Archive XI

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XI

Archive XII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XII

Archive XIII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XIII

Archive XIV

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XIV

Archive XV

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XV

Archive XVI

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XVI

Archive XVII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XVII

Archive XVIII

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XVIII

Archive XIX

A nineteenth-century camphor wood roll-top writing box with brass-bound corners, a central brass cartouche, and a slatted tambour top. View XIX

A portable wooden desk featuring an angled writing slope, internal storage compartments, and a slatted tambour mechanism that rolls back to reveal pen trays and inkwell slots. These were popular during the nineteenth century for travel and domestic correspondence.

Writing boxes were typically constructed from durable hardwoods such as camphor, mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, frequently reinforced with flush brass corners, straps, and lock plates to protect the structure during transport.

Authentic examples feature hand-cut dovetail joints, flush brass hardware, solid hardwood liningsoften camphor wood with a distinct aromatic scentand original tambour slatted mechanisms that operate smoothly.

Position the box closed or open on an office desk, console table, or bookshelf to serve as an accent piece, using it as functional storage for stationery, keys, or small personal items.

Dust the wood regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a neutral beeswax polish sparingly, avoiding the brass mounts; metal trim can be left with its natural patination or gently cleaned with a specialised restorer.

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Camphor Wood Roll Top Writing Box

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Email Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Camphor Wood Roll Top Writing Box

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Email Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

What is an antique roll top writing box?

What materials were traditionally used in constructing writing boxes?

How can you identify authentic nineteenth-century writing boxes?

How can a wooden writing box be styled in a modern interior?

How should antique camphor wood and brass hardware be maintained?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories