Antique Writing Slope/Campaign Desk- Swallow & Crown Mark, Secret Drawers,

Description: We have a weakness for well made antique boxes and this is one of our all time favorites. It is an English made Writing Slope or Campaign Box, probably from the Georgian Era. It is made from what appears to be highly figured flame mahogany veneers with brass bands on the top and front. Inside it has a black leather writing surface that is in very good condition. Possibly it is a replacement but the leather appears to be very old so possibly it is the original surface. The inside is all lined with a redish color veneers, likely some variety of rosewood. There are slots for and inkwell, stamps, a crystal inkwell with a glass top and a pencil tray. Underneath the slots are two small drawers and a wood plate which latches to make a secret compartment. It still works perfectly. It has an inlaid brass key escutcheon and a lock that secures the Box with a replacement skeleton key. On the top is a brass plate with stamps of what appear to be two swallows and a crown. It is compact measuring 12 x 9.25 x 6 inches. When opened, it is nearly 19 inches long. It weighs slightly over 6 pounds. The photos give a good description. The quality of the workmanship inside and out is readily evident. The Box is not perfect but nearly so, truly wonderful for its age!. The brass strapping has been re-fastened using small nails by a previous owner and the burl on the top shows a bit of cracking. The rounded black edging has some missing pieces by the area where the top and front brass straps meet. On the sides there is some drying cracking of the underlaying wood which shows in the burl veneers. None of the imperfections are unusual and, overall, the Box is in wonderful condition. (We did add black felt on the bottom to protect surfaces it might be placed upon We have no information on the Box's maker or previous owner/s. But on the brass cartouche are stamped two birds, likely swallows, and a crown. We could find no examples of such stamps but, often, the fourth son of a royal family, not being in line for land or title, was expected to 'fly away' and was often referred to as a "Martlet," or swallow. We suspect this Box likely was once owned by such a fourth son...so a mystery to be solved. We can ship it at no charge at the listed price within the U.S. Also, we accept returns for any reason within 30 Days. This Box would be an extraordinary gift for yourself or someone close who appreciates a beautiful antique.

Price: 725 USD

Location: Manti, Utah

End Time: 2024-12-17T18:28:32.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD