Three-Fold Portable Desk
Three-Fold Portable Desk
83181
A brass bound, mahogany Three-Fold Portable Desk or Writing Slope.
The Slope is smaller than most of the period and has simplified skeletal carrying handles without back plates to the bale. The brass strap work is fitted with steel screws and the corner caps are cast with extended straps to the sides.
When the lid of the box is opened, the middle section can be unfolded to give the full length, sloped writing area. The area is covered in black baize, which also covers the top side of the middle section. It is difficult to tell if its original or has been replaced at some stage. Although the box is fairly simple and standard in design, it is elevated by the incised line mould running to most of the interior edges.
Two secret drawers are hidden by a facia board below the desk tidy section. It doesn't have a hidden catch but simply lifts up. The drawers have ribbon handles. The desk tidy has a tip up, ebonised pen tray which has faded, with a space for an inkwell either side. The interior of the lid is fitted with crossed ribbons to hold papers. The top has a blank, rectangular brass engraving plate that ties in with the replaced rectangular escutcheon plate. Above the escutcheon there is a restoration patch.
This unnamed box is well made although it has the feel more of a town rather than a city workshop and is interesting for its size. Early 19th century.
Dimensions:
Early 19th Century
Brass Bound Mahogany
England
Portable Desk
Good, general minor wear. Escutcheon replaced & restoration patch above it. Baize possibly replaced.
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