How do you fix a stuck slope lock?

Most stuck locks on these boxes suffer from dried oil and dust rather than broken mechanisms. Try applying a single drop of graphite powder into the keyhole. Wiggle the key gently without forcing the turn. If the brass pins inside are seized, a locksmith who handles older hardware can strip and clean the barrel.

What inkwells fit in here?

The compartments usually take square glass bottles with brass screw caps. You'll need to measure the base of the wooden divider. A tight fit risks splitting the timber.

I have found a small piece of wood loose inside the main compartment under the slope, where specifically should it go to repair the box?

That loose piece is often the retaining batten for the secret drawer panel. It sits behind the inkwell section and blocks the sprung cover. When the box gets knocked around, the hide glue dries out and the batten falls away. Look for an unvarnished rectangular patch of bare wood on the floor. Don't use modern wood glue to reattach it.

There is a noticeable gap between the top lid and the bottom half when it is shut tight, is the wood warped beyond repair?

The lids on an antique writing box often warp over time due to central heating. The solid timber shrinks unevenly on the outside while the inside remains stable. Sometimes the gap isn't warped wood. If the brass screws work loose, the lid drops back and fails to align with the front lock plate. Check the hinge leaves first. If they're flush, the timber bowed.

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Antique Writing Boxes from the 19th Century

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An antique writing box is a portable hinged case that opens into a sloped desk, fitted with small compartments for correspondence, allowing travellers and officers to write wherever they set down.