What is a campaign writing slope?

A campaign writing slope is a portable antique desk designed to fold in half for travel. Officers and travellers used them to store stationery, ink and documents while on the move. Inside, they feature a sloping leather-lined writing surface and compartments for pens and inkwells. Many also incorporate hidden drawers for valuables.

How do you use a writing slope?

To use the box, you release the latches, open the hinged lid and fold down the two sloping halves to create a flat or angled writing plane. The interior compartments keep your writing materials organised during use. When finished, you fold the writing bed back into the carcass, lower the fall fronts if applicable, and secure the lid with a key. This packs all your correspondence securely into a single portable box.

How do you date a campaign writing slope?

Dating relies on timber choices, brass work styles and construction details. Georgian and Regency examples often feature simpler mahogany or rosewood forms with flush brass strapwork, while Victorian versions frequently showcase figured walnut, elaborate brass inlay and complex secret drawer mechanisms. Locks, hinges and secondary woods inside the drawers also help pinpoint the era of manufacture. Earlier pieces lean toward utilitarian military function, whereas mid-nineteenth-century boxes often prioritise decorative domestic elegance.

What timbers were used for writing slopes?

Cabinetmakers utilised durable hardwoods capable of enduring travel. Mahogany and camphor wood appear frequently on military pieces due to their stability and resistance to humidity. For domestic settings, makers turned to decorative veneers such as rosewood, walnut, burr walnut, pollard oak and coromandel. These finer woods were often paired with contrasting brass inlay and fitted leather interiors.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Campaign Writing Slope > Page 3

Campaign Writing Slope

89 items · page 3 of 6

← Page 3 of 6 →

When you examine a campaign writing slope, you hold a portable desk built to travel across the British Empire.

A Fine Late Georgian Rosewood Bi-fold Writing Slope with Secret Drawers

18th century

Save

A Fine Late Georgian Rosewood Bi-fold Writing Slope with Secret Drawers

From John Hubbard Antiques

£1,095

FOR SALE

boxes

Antique George III Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts Circa 1820 19th C

19th century

Save

Antique George III Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts Circa 1820 19th C

From Regent Antiques

£1,350

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

19th Century Pollard Oak Campaign Writing Slope or Lap Desk

From Elmgarden

£750

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Victorian Walnut Writing Slope

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£250

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

An Anglo Indian Campaign Writing Box

From The Antique Partnership

£425

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

An Unusual Mid 19th Century Military Desk

From W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

£2,650

FOR SALE

desks

Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890

19th century

Save

Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890

From London Fine Antiques

£895

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Excellent Quality Antique Writing Slope

From The Fine Art Fund

£740

FOR SALE

boxes

Victorian Writing Box by P&f Shafer of 27 Piccadilly London

19th century

Save

Victorian Writing Box by P&f Shafer of 27 Piccadilly London

From Minerva Antiques Ltd

£530

FOR SALE

boxes

Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk

19th century

Save

Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk

From FB Antiques

£1,250

FOR SALE

desks

Listings feature woods including mahogany, rosewood, walnut, coromandel, camphor wood and padouk, spanning the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods.

19th century

Save

19th Century Ceylonese Ebony Writing Box

From Colton Antiques

£920

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Oak Brass Bound Desk Top Box

From AJD Antiques

£295

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Victorian Campaign Camphor Writing Box

From Carse Antiques

£695

FOR SALE

boxes

18th century

Save

A Military Campaign Writing Slope

From The Antique Partnership

£345

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

George III Mahogany Clerk's Campaign Desk

18th century

Save

George III Mahogany Clerk's Campaign Desk

From Hobson May Collection

£995

FOR SALE

furniture

Victorian Walnut and Brass Bound Writing Slope with Bramah Lock, Key and Secret Drawers

19th century

Save

Victorian Walnut and Brass Bound Writing Slope with Bramah Lock, Key and Secret Drawers

From John Hubbard Antiques

£995

FOR SALE

boxes

← 1 2 3 4 5 6 →

Campaign Writing Slope

A Fine Late Georgian Rosewood Bi-fold Writing Slope with Secret Drawers

Antique George III Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts Circa 1820 19th C

19th Century Pollard Oak Campaign Writing Slope or Lap Desk

Victorian Walnut Writing Slope

An Anglo Indian Campaign Writing Box

An Unusual Mid 19th Century Military Desk

Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890

Excellent Quality Antique Writing Slope

Victorian Writing Box by P&f Shafer of 27 Piccadilly London

Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk

19th Century Ceylonese Ebony Writing Box

Oak Brass Bound Desk Top Box

Victorian Campaign Camphor Writing Box

A Military Campaign Writing Slope

George III Mahogany Clerk's Campaign Desk

Victorian Walnut and Brass Bound Writing Slope with Bramah Lock, Key and Secret Drawers

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories