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Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box
Sold by London City Antiques
sold SA1202311
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
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    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
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Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

19th century
Sold 7 October 2026 · London City Antiques
This “Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box” found a buyer.

It was listed by London City Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Brass Bound Desk SlopeDark Wood Writing SlopeFitted Wooden Writing Box Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A good antique English mahogany writing slope dating from the Victorian period, circa 1860. The rectangular case is beautifully figured and strengthened with brass straps and corner mounts, with a shaped brass cartouche to the centre of the lid.

The interior opens to reveal a fitted writing surface lined in purple velvet with compartments for ink bottles, pens and stationery. The hinged writing slope lifts to reveal additional storage beneath, a practical feature typical of nineteenth century portable writing desks.

Writing slopes such as this were widely used during the Victorian period for correspondence at home or while travelling, providing a compact and elegant portable desk.

An attractive example with rich colour to the mahogany and decorative brass bound detail.

Condition Report

Good antique condition with age related wear consistent with use. Minor surface marks to the exterior and light wear to the brass mounts. The velvet writing surface shows expected age related wear. The interior compartments remain intact.

Dimensions

Height: 14 cm (5.5 in)

Width: 35.5 cm (14 in)

Depth: 22.7 cm (8.9 in)

Origin

England

Date

Circa 1860

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Mahogany Brass Writing Box to the 1860s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
22.7cm (8.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1202311
Dealers Internal Reference
3032
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
A good antique English mahogany writing slope dating from the Victorian period, circa 1860.
“
The rectangular case is beautifully figured and strengthened with brass straps and corner mounts, with a shaped brass cartouche to the centre of the lid.
London City Antiques
fig 1. An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

The interior opens to reveal a fitted writing surface lined in purple velvet with compartments for ink bottles, pens and stationery. The hinged writing slope lifts to reveal additional storage beneath, a practical feature typical of nineteenth century portable writing desks.

fig 2. An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

Writing slopes such as this were widely used during the Victorian period for correspondence at home or while travelling, providing a compact and elegant portable desk.

An attractive example with rich colour to the mahogany and decorative brass bound detail.

fig 3. An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

Condition Report

Good antique condition with age related wear consistent with use. Minor surface marks to the exterior and light wear to the brass mounts. The velvet writing surface shows expected age related wear. The interior compartments remain intact.

Dimensions

Height: 14 cm (5.5 in)

Width: 35.5 cm (14 in)

Depth: 22.7 cm (8.9 in)

Origin

England

Date

Circa 1860

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Mahogany Brass Writing Box to the 1860s.

Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
22.7cm (8.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1202311
Dealers Internal Ref
3032
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 mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. SOLD7 OCT 26
1 / 10
Archive I An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. SOLD7 OCT 26

Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

Archive II An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View II
Archive III An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View III
Archive IV An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View IV
Archive V An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View V
Archive VI An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View VI
Archive VII An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon. View IX
Archive X An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole 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 1,264
Items Sold 5,165
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
1,264
Sold
5,165
An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon.
Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box
Ref: SA1202311
An antique Victorian dark mahogany wooden writing box featuring protective brass corner brackets, brass strapping, a central brass shield cartouche, and a keyhole escutcheon.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWriting Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsBrass corner brackets, Brass strapping, Shield cartouche, Keyhole escutcheon
  • SizeH 14 cm (6 in) x W 35.5 cm (14 in) x D 22.7 cm (9 in)

An antique Victorian writing box originating from England around 1860, styled as a gentleman's library accessory. The rectangular case uses rich dark brown figured mahogany, strengthened by protective brass corner brackets and vertical brass strapping running over the lid and front panel. Additional decorative elements comprise a central brass shield cartouche on the lid and an ornate keyhole escutcheon on the front. The wood displays minor surface marks, and the brass mounts show light wear consistent with age and use. Practical dimensions measure 14 cm high, 35.5 cm wide, and 22.7 cm deep. Today, this portable desk serves as a functional and decorative piece on an office desk or study table. The hinged lid opens to provide a writing surface alongside compartments for pens, stationery, and ink bottles, while secondary storage sits concealed beneath the slope for household correspondence or desktop organization. It integrates seamlessly into traditional or contemporary workspaces as a compact storage solution with period character.

FAQs

A writing box, or lap desk, is a portable wooden box designed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to store stationery, inkwells, and writing instruments. The brass binding provided structural reinforcement during travel, particularly for military and naval campaign use.

Victorian writing slopes were traditionally constructed from solid woods such as mahogany, rosewood, or walnut. They incorporated flush-mounted brass corner brackets, brass straps, and internal leather or velvet writing surfaces.

Authentic Victorian pieces feature hand-cut dovetail joints, brass hardware secured with countersunk steel screws, and original brass escutcheons or cartouches. The internal folding sloped surfaces usually exhibit aged brass hinges and compartments for writing equipment.

A writing box functions as a decorative accent on an office desk, console table, or bookshelf. It offers practical storage for small items while adding historical character to a contemporary study or living area.

Dust the timber with a dry, soft cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish periodically to preserve the patina. Avoid applying chemical metal polishes to the brass fittings, as this can mark the surrounding wood or strip the natural tarnish.
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