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ID #SA1238751
FOR SALE
£785
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Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box
For sale by London City Antiques
for sale €918     $997
£785
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
Browse dealers 1,261 items
  • About Us
    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
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Id #SA1238751
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Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

19th century
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

Physical Dimensions
Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
22.7cm (8.94")
Declaration

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1238751
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. A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass 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. A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass 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. A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass 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

Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
22.7cm (8.94")
Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1238751
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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A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon.
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Archive I A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon.

Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box

Archive II A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View II
Archive III A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View III
Archive IV A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View IV
Archive V A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View V
Archive VI A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon. View IX
Archive X A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass 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 1,261
Items Sold 5,127
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
1,261
Sold
5,127
A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass keyhole escutcheon.
Antique Victorian Mahogany Brass Bound Writing Box
Ref: SA1238751
A rectangular Victorian mahogany writing box featuring brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central brass shield inlay, and a brass 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 Red-Brown
  • MotifsBrass strapping, Shield cartouche, Corner brackets, Brass escutcheon
  • SizeH 14 cm (6 in) x W 35.5 cm (14 in) x D 22.7 cm (9 in)

This antique Victorian English writing box dates from circa 1860. The rectangular case is made from dark red-brown mahogany with a polished finish and features decorative brass corner brackets, vertical brass strapping, a central shield cartouche on the lid, and a brass keyhole escutcheon on the front. The polished surface displays minor surface marks, and the brass mounts show light wear. Measuring 14 cm high, 35.5 cm wide, and 22.7 cm deep, the box has an interior lined with purple velvet and includes compartments for ink bottles, pens, and stationery, with additional storage hidden beneath the hinged slope. In a modern home, this portable desk provides a practical storage solution and workspace display on an office desk or study table. The traditional design combines dark timber tones with polished metal hardware, suiting a gentleman's library or classic interior scheme. Writing slopes from this period offer a functional accessory for desk organization while retaining historical character through visible age-related wear on both the timber and the internal velvet lining.

FAQs

A Victorian brass bound writing box, often referred to as a writing slope or lap desk, is a portable wooden box designed to store writing implements and fold open into a slanted writing surface. Popularised in the 19th century, these boxes were produced for travellers, military officers, and domestic correspondence.

These boxes were predominantly constructed from dense hardwoods such as mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, chosen for structural stability and grain figure. They typically feature heavy brass bindings, corner brackets, and flush handles designed to protect the timber during transport, along with interior leather or velvet writing surfaces.

Authentic Victorian writing boxes feature hand-cut dovetail joinery, original brass wood screws, and natural wear around the lock and hinges. Look for age-appropriate patination on the brass mounts, as well as slight timber shrinkage along the joints or lid panels.

Position a brass bound writing box centrally on an office desk, library console, or coffee table as a functional decorative accent. It pairs effectively with leather-bound books, brass accessories, and modern framed art to create a layered, classic interior aesthetic.

Dust the timber exterior regularly using a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish once or twice per year to nourish the wood. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the brass bindings, as chemical solvents can strip historical patination or cause damage to the surrounding timber.
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