Inlaid Rosewood Slope Fronted Writing Box c.1835

Highly attractive inlaid rosewood writing box in very good condition. No missing or replaced veneer. Intricate Mother of Pearl surrounds to the escutcheon and cartouche complemented by the extensive borders to the box set within ebony veneer to maximise the contrast. All inlays are original and in excellent condition. Please note the relatively unusual recessed panel to the front sloping section and the rear lid and the ball and dart edge mouldings all of which is original, complete and once again in excellent condition. The lid and front close perfectly square on the original hinges and open to reveal an impressive interior. The key is for decorative purposes only. Darker cross grain veneer to the edges of the leather to continue the theme of the box exterior. The leather is possibly original or certainly if replaced it was done a good many years ago. It features both blind and gilt embossed patterns. It is as to be expected torn along the fold line of the two box sections this being the only line of the leather exposed to the elements when the box is closed. More importantly the edges of the tear are crisp and the fold line of the section that attaches the section that opens up to access the storage area beneath is Fully intact therefore ensuring that the slope remains in firmly position. To the underside of the writing platform there network of webbing to retain business cards/notes etc. The webbing has been replaced following the pattern of the original webbing using the original fixing studs. is a The office section comprises of two wafer/nib slopes with removable dished pen tray with storage space beneath to the front row and central lidded section and twin inkpot sections to the rear. The inkpots are probably not original to the box though both are certainly of or pre the period of the box. One is void of a lid the other complete with the original lid with the cork still in very fine condition. Slope fronted writing boxes were made in far less numbers than the conventional rectangular boxes and have one main advantage insofar that the box can be used as a writing surface without the need to turn the box around and the height and style of the box is such that it is sometimes that much easier to display on a wide range of furniture. It is not that often that a box of this style with the recessed panel and extensive outer band inlays comes along in such fine condition.