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ID #SA1237802
FOR SALE
£1,750
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Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C
For sale by Regent Antiques
for sale €2,048     $2,223
£1,750
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
Browse dealers 673 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
  • Trade Associations
    Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1237802
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Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

19th century
For Sale by Regent Antiques
Description

This is a fine antique Victorian ormolu and turquoise enamel writing slope / lap desk, dating from Circa 1870.

It features elaborate enamelled strapwork decoration with carrying handles, the sides with shaped angular bale handles. The hinged domed rear section is fitted with  twin inkwells and well, before a hinged velvet lined writing slope opening for letters

Complete with the original working Bramah lock and key.

There is no mistaking its unique quality and superb design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

Condition:

In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 13 cm x Width 25 cm x Depth 21 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 5 inches x Width 10 inches x Depth 8 inches

Bramah

is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture.

Ormolu - Gilt Bronze (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

Our reference: A5442

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Ormolu Writing Slope to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237802
Dealers Internal Reference
A5442
Description
This is a fine antique Victorian ormolu and turquoise enamel writing slope / lap desk, dating from Circa 1870.
“
It features elaborate enamelled strapwork decoration with carrying handles, the sides with shaped angular bale handles.
Regent Antiques

The hinged domed rear section is fitted with  twin inkwells and well, before a hinged velvet lined writing slope opening for letters

fig 1. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Complete with the original working Bramah lock and key.

There is no mistaking its unique quality and superb design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

Condition:

In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 2. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 13 cm x Width 25 cm x Depth 21 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 5 inches x Width 10 inches x Depth 8 inches

Bramah

is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

fig 3. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

fig 4. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

fig 5. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 5. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture.

fig 6. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 6. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Ormolu - Gilt Bronze (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

fig 7. A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
fig 7. Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

Our reference: A5442

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Ormolu Writing Slope to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237802
Dealers Internal Ref
A5442
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

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

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
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Archive I A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.

Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C

Archive II A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View II
Archive III A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View III
Archive IV A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View IV
Archive V A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View V
Archive VI A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View IX
Archive X A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View X
Archive XI A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques
Telephone 020 8809 9605 or 020 8802 3900
Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 673
Items Sold 2,657
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
673
Sold
2,657
A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
Antique Victorian Ormolu & Enamel Writing Slope Lap Desk Set 19th C
Ref: SA1237802
A Victorian gilt brass and turquoise champleve enamel writing slope featuring a domed upper compartment, a sloped front lid, and a key with a purple tassel in the lock.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWriting Slopes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialGilt Brass, Ormolu, Enamel
  • ColourGold, Turquoise
  • MotifsChampleve enamel straps, Domed top section, Scrollwork corner mounts, Key and tassel lock
  • SizeH 13 cm (5 in) x W 25 cm (10 in) x D 21 cm (8 in)

FAQs

A Victorian writing slope is a portable desktop casket designed with an inclined folding surface for writing, alongside dedicated compartments for holding inkwells, quill pens, and stationery.

These boxes were constructed using timber frames such as mahogany or rosewood, or heavy metalwork made from mercury-gilded brass (ormolu), frequently embellished with champleve enamel straps and velvet-lined writing surfaces.

Authentic 19th-century pieces exhibit hand-chased gilt brass or bronze mountings, vitreous champleve enamel inlays showing subtle hand-finishing variations, period-appropriate lock mechanisms, and light natural surface oxidisation.

An antique writing slope can be positioned on an office desk, console table, or library display shelf to serve as a functional desktop organizer and historic decorative accent.

Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid chemicals, brass polish, or abrasive agents that could wear down the original gilded layer or damage delicate enamel work.
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