How to open a stuck lap desk drawer?

Don't force it. The timber carcase often swells in damp conditions, causing the internal drawers to jam tightly against their runners. Move the box to a dry room for a few days. The wood will shrink slightly as it adjusts to the temperature, which often releases the stuck drawer.

What goes in the long narrow compartment?

That is the pen tray. It held straight dip pens and quills. The curved base makes it easy to scoop a pen out with one finger.

I just bought a large wooden writing box and I noticed a tiny hole inside one compartment, what is it for?

That small hole is the release mechanism for a concealed drawer panel. The maker designed it so you would push a heavy pin or a pen nib into the hole to trigger a hidden metal spring. When the spring releases, a false wall usually pops forward revealing a small bank of drawers. This space typically held private letters or gold coins out of sight from servants, innkeepers, and guests.

The leather on the writing slope is torn straight down the middle crease, can this be replaced or should I leave it alone?

Replacing the leather is standard practice for a heavily used antique lap desk. The central fold acts as a working hinge, so it takes the brunt of the wear every time the box is opened. A professional restorer can fit a new piece of sheepskin or skiver. They will match the original blind tooling and ensure the box closes properly without adding bulk to the hinge line.

0

56,091 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 82 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

DEALER LOGIN

Lap Desks

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Antique Boxes

Antique Lap Desks

← Page 10 of 10 →

An antique lap desk is a portable wooden box that opens on a hinge to reveal a sloped writing surface, designed to hold ink, quills, and paper for travellers dealing with correspondence on the move.

An Early Victorian Mahogany & Brass Bound Writing Box by Fisher

19th century

Save

An Early Victorian Mahogany & Brass Bound Writing Box by Fisher

From Mark Davis Antiques

£485

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

Save

Writing Slope

From Carlton House Antiques

£650

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

Save

Walnut Writing Slope

From Carlton House Antiques

£750

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

← 1 ... 6 7 8 9 10 →

66,727

Antiques For Sale

82

Antiques Approved Today

3,069

Antique Uploads This Month

56,091

Page Views Today

440,777

Total Antiques Sold

Antique Lap Desks

An Early Victorian Mahogany & Brass Bound Writing Box by Fisher

Writing Slope

Walnut Writing Slope

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories