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ID #SA1169541
FOR SALE
£885
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Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box
For sale by London City Antiques
for sale €1,035     $1,124
£885
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
Browse dealers 1,250 items
  • About Us
    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
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Id #SA1169541
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Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box

19th century
Description

Unusual Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing box with fantastic Mother of Pearl inlay and two lift up tops opening to reveal a writing surface with original ink bottles and a pen tray storage compartment and secret drawers

H 9.5 x W 35.5 x D 24cm

Open 38cm

Date 1850

Physical Dimensions
Height
9.5cm (3.74")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
24cm (9.45")
Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Victorian Rosewood Writing Box to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1169541
Dealers Internal Reference
1701
Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description
Unusual Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing box with fantastic Mother of Pearl inlay and two lift up tops opening to reveal a writing surface with original ink bottles and a pen tray storage compartment and secret drawers

H 9.5 x W 35.5 x D 24cm

Open 38cm

Date 1850

Height
9.5cm (3.74")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
24cm (9.45")
Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Victorian Rosewood Writing Box to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1169541
Dealers Internal Ref
1701
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London City Antiques Profile Page

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An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon.
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Archive I An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon.

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box

Archive II An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View II
Archive III An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon.
Archive V An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View V
Archive VI An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View VI
Archive VII An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View IX
Archive X An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon. View X
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London City Antiques

London City Antiques
Telephone 07834 270 128
Location
The Coach House
Stutton
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP9 2SD
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londoncityantiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
Items For Sale 1,250
Items Sold 5,145
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: The Coach House, Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2SD, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londoncityantiques
Verified
Jun 2020
For Sale
1,250
Sold
5,145
An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon.
Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box
Ref: SA1169541
An antique Victorian dark rosewood rectangular writing box featuring intricate floral mother-of-pearl inlay along the borders and central shield escutcheon.
Detail View 1
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Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWriting Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialRosewood, Mother-of-Pearl
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsMother-of-pearl inlay, Floral scrollwork, Central cartouche, Keyhole escutcheon
  • SizeH 9.5 cm (4 in) x W 35.5 cm (14 in) x D 24 cm (9 in)

This Victorian writing box dates to 1850. The rectangular piece is constructed from dark brown rosewood and decorated with intricate white mother-of-pearl inlay, including a central cartouche, a keyhole escutcheon, and delicate floral scrollwork framing the edges. The timber shows rich natural grain variations in deep brown tones, alongside bright silvery mother-of-pearl motifs and small circular inlays at the corners. Brass hinges secure the folding lid, and small metal fixings are visible along the lower edge. Measuring 9.5 cm high, 35.5 cm wide, and 24 cm deep, the closed box expands to a width of 38 cm when opened to reveal the internal storage compartments. In a contemporary interior, this piece sits neatly on an office desk, study table, or library console, providing practical storage for stationery while serving as a decorative surface accessory.

FAQs

Victorian writing boxes, also known as writing slopes or lap desks, were portable wooden cases designed to hold paper, inkwells, pens, and personal correspondence during the nineteenth century. They provided a portable slanted writing surface for individuals traveling or writing away from a dedicated desk.

These boxes were typically constructed using dense hardwoods such as rosewood, mahogany, or walnut. Exterior decoration frequently incorporated shell inlays, such as mother-of-pearl or abalone, alongside brass corner brackets, escutcheons, and interior lining materials like velvet or skiver leather.

Authentic pieces display hand-cut dovetail joints, flush-fitting lid hinges, original brass mortise locks, and hand-inlaid decorative motifs. Natural age-related oxidisation of the timber and subtle irregularities in the hand-cut shell inlay also signal original construction.

An antique writing slope works well displayed flat on an office desk, coffee table, or console top. It can serve as a functional desktop organizer or as a decorative accent alongside structured books and modern brass objects.

Dust the wood regularly with a dry, soft cloth and keep the item away from direct sunlight and central heating radiators to prevent veneer movement. Apply microcrystalline wax sparingly to protect the timber surface without building up residual film around the inlaid shell pieces.
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