19th century Walnut writing slope

[Lady Onogaro]

What a fun thread! I've learned a lot from the conversation.

[Serendipity]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful walnut slope! It is a treat for my eyes. I have always enjoyed the whirls of walnut and coupled with a love of pens and writing paraphernalia this is an exceptional piece. I'm glad others were knowledgeable on the subject to advise you. I think if you would not have opened it up and let us look inside, the intrigue would have twisted my nib! Thanks to all who contributed to the discussion, I found it very interesting.

[Victorian gent]

You're welcome Vanessa,

I did buy those beautiful Victorian inkwells and they arrived on Friday. When I get a chance I'll post some photos of them. I was tempted to clean them on the inside, however I think they may look better with the dried ink inside them.

I also bought a couple of cheap Victorian stamped envelopes to place inside the writing box.

At Christmas time I hope to treat myself to a propelling pen or pencil.

Trevor

[Victorian gent]

Here are some pictures of the 19th century square based inkwells I bought. They are glass with brass screwtops and contain remnants of blue and black ink. Also shown are 2 stamped addressed envelopes dating to 1868 and 1869.

Trevor

[Bisquitlips]

I collect Writing Slopes / Lap Desks (since about 1982) and yours appears to be British in origin (some of the best save for the French Ecritoire). I would guess it was made prior to the "steam age" as it has hand sawn mitre joints and hand engraved furniture. Simply... it was hand made and not something that was mass produced for the masses as those after 1880. You have an original "Lap Top".

The wood is burl walnut from what I can tell and it is VERY nice and was used for the more elite writing slopes. These would be used by the upper class for train journeys and other traveling in order to keep in touch while moving from place to place. Please keep it in its original condition. Those stains are a integral part of its character and this slope should look as it is. Used and loved.

The secret drawers are wonderful and if everything is fitting together as it should without any loose joints or missing major pieces I would never touch it from a restoration perspective.

Enjoy it. Simply lovely!

Please keep in touch!

One of mine for your viewing pleasure.







French Ecritoire:







And I do love these: From the days that penmanship, stationery, wax seals, sanding, and the graces of writing were valued.