Georgian Portable Desk

A brass bound mahogany Portable Desk or Writing Slope with skeletal campaign handles.

This desk is a good size and the maker didn't hold back on their use of brass strap work to strengthen it. The exterior has three straps to each corner not including the top, shaped corner pieces that extend. All four are linked by a pair of long straps that wrap around the closed box. The interior also has corner straps to each half to further protect them as they meet when closed. Steel screws have been used throughout.

The interior working surface is baized and has a desk tidy area to the top. This consists of an ebonized pen tray which is not made to tip but has ribbons to each end to lift it, a lidded compartment to the left, two for inkwells and a third plain compartment. The four secret drawers are accessed by pushing down on the floor of the far-right compartment. This releases the sprung catch that holds the facia board in place. The two central secret drawers are slightly bigger than the two outer drawers.

The storage spaces under the writing boards are plain although one has crossed ribbons to its back, as to be expected. To the bottom of the top half of the desk is a standard full-length drawer. As was common practice, this is opened by first removing the long brass pin that locks it. The box has a stay arm that can be set to four different positions to use the box as a lectern. Its bar to support a book when doing so, is missing.

The box has both its exterior and interior keys. The unmarked exterior lock has three teeth that slide across to lock the plate. Although there is no maker's name to this box, it is well made, with the brass straps not only protecting the edges but also strengthening the joints. Both the engraving plate and the mahogany below it are stamped 'IKIN'. It is faint to the brass plate and maybe a later owner's name. This Portable Desk is larger than most. Early 19th Century.