How do I date an antique writing slope?

Writing slopes changed in construction and internal arrangement over the decades. Georgian examples often feature simpler internal layouts, whilst Victorian versions frequently incorporate brass binding, Bramah locks and complex secret drawers. Secondary woods used inside the compartments and the style of the hinges provide further clues to the period of manufacture.

What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies stored precious tea leaves safely under lock and key in the parlour or dining room. The leaves were expensive, so the head of the household kept the box locked between uses. Many caddies contain two internal cannisters for different varieties of tea, alongside a central glass or ceramic mixing bowl.

How do I care for inlaid wooden boxes?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and sudden changes in temperature to prevent the timber and veneers from warping or cracking. Natural wax polish applied sparingly helps maintain the lustre of the wood. Avoid excessive moisture on paper-lined interiors and fragile bone or mother of pearl sections.

What is Tunbridge inlay?

Tunbridge inlay involves assembling thousands of tiny coloured wood blocks into mosaic pictures or geometric borders. Craftsmen in Kent produced these detailed pictorial designs for small boxes and desk accessories during the nineteenth century. Inspect the surface closely to appreciate the microscopic precision of the individual wood squares making up the motif.