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English Lap Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful Early 19th century rosewood lap desk. Made in England, circa 1830. Has brass corners and
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Rosewood

Antique English Lap Desk
English Lap Desk
H 6 in W 15.75 in D 10 in
19th C Original Paint Decorated Lap Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine painted and hand made early lap desk in post master format on high turned legs. The paint
Category

Early 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique English Burl Walnut Lap Desk, circa 1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
This burl lap desk is in very good shape considering its age. The nice blood red leather inside is
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Antique English Rosewood Regency Inlaid Lap Desk, circa 1830
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English rosewood regency inlaid lap desk, circa 1830.
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Rosewood

Antique English Regency Rosewood Travelling Lap Desk Box, Circa 1830
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Regency rosewood travelling lap desk box, circa 1830.
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Rosewood

19th-Century Pine Lap Desk Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Pine Lap Desk Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl A small and lined with a fabric lap desk
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut, Pine, Burl, Mother-of-Pearl

English Victorian Oak Lap Desk Box
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian oak and walnut trim lap desk box with nail head and brass filigree design.  
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique English Victorian Oak Lap Desk Box
English Victorian Oak Lap Desk Box
H 8 in W 13 in D 11.5 in
English Trompe I'oeil Painted Lap Desk on Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming Trompe L'0eil painted lap desk on stand. Top features a letter & quill pen. The legs of
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Pine

Antique English Wood & Brass Travelling Lap Desk and Document Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique lap desk and document box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England
Category

Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Mahogany Inlaid and Hand Painted Angled Lap Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Mahogany Inlaid and Hand Painted Angled Lap Desk Give you office, living room or
Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Wood

19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
A early-19th century Asian hardwood lap desk on stand. A similar one is pictured in "The Decorative
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique Lap Desk on Stand, 19th Century, England
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Lap Desk on Stand, 19th Century, England. A mahogany brass trimmed campaign style lap desk
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

English Regency Mahogany Travelling Sloped Lap Desk Box, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
English Regency mahogany travelling sloped lap desk box with brass corner mounts and handles, 19th
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Mahogany

The Best - Georgian Sunburst Inlaid Mahogany Lap Desk C. 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
English, circa early 1800's. An exceptional and rare 19th century mahogany lap desk inlaid with
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

English Bird's Eye Maple Lap Desk
Located in Wilson, NC
English bird's eye maple lap desk , the entire desk with beautiful color and patina, the top has a
Category

1860s English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Metal

English Bird's Eye Maple Lap Desk
English Bird's Eye Maple Lap Desk
H 5.5 in W 13.88 in D 9 in
Antique English Victorian Burl Walnut Small Lap Desk Box with Fitted Interior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Burl Walnut Small Lap Desk with Fitted Interior. Item features working
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique English Victorian Oak Wood Desktop Portable Lap Desk Letter Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian Oak Wood Desktop Lap Desk Letter Holder. Item features a lift front with
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Metal

Anglo Indian Sadeli Inlay Lap Desk, with Fitted Interiors
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Anglo-Indian bone inlay lap desk with fitted interiors. Exterior has geometric design
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Bone, Wood

19th Century British Tunbridge Ware Lap Desk
By Tunbridge Ware
Located in Dallas, TX
lap desk. This lap desk is unlike any of it’s kind we have seen before. From circa 1840-1860. Made
Category

Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Maple, Walnut, Satinwood, Ebony, Wood

19th c. Embossed and Gilded Lap Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A 19th century pressed paper lap desk with an embossed and gilded stag decoration to top
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Paper

19th c. Embossed and Gilded Lap Desk
19th c. Embossed and Gilded Lap Desk
H 3.5 in W 11.75 in D 9 in
19th English Brass Banded Mahogany Lap Desk With Gilt Tooled Leather
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., England, a figured mahogany lap desk banded in brass to protect a piece that was in
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Antique English Walnut Military Campaign Chest or Lap Desk with Brass Mounts
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
approximately 1820 and done in the period Victorian style. The lap desk is composed of walnut with brass mounts
Category

Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century, English Tartan Wrapped Lap Desk w/ Embossed Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
English with Scottish influence, 19th century. A fine quality antique 19th century lap desk
Category

19th Century British Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

English Regency Mahogany Travelling Lap Desk Box with Secret Compartment
Located in Savannah, GA
Large size English Regency mahogany travelling sloped lap desk/ box with original brass corner
Category

Early 1800s English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique English Jennens & Bettridge Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk
By Jennens and Bettridge
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique writing box or lap desk was made by the highly renowned Jennens & Bettridge of England
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Paper

Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Paper

19C Anglo Ceylonese Lap Desk of Museum Quality
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an absolutely fantastic 19C Anglo Ceylonese lap desk of museum quality. We can safely
Category

Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Sandalwood

Antique English Paper Mache Ladies Writing Box or Lap Desk with Japanned Finish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Paper

Mid 19th Century campaign camphor metamorphic lap desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare and good quality Campaign camphor wood writing desk, circa 1860. Brass bound around the outer
Category

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Pollard Oak Writing Slope or Lap Desk in Pollard Oak
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 19th century Pollard oak Campaign writing slope or lap desk This is a very rare piece, it
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Oak

19th Century Manner of George Bullock, Regency Brass Inlaid Rosewood Lap Desk
By George Bullock
Located in Morristown, NJ
c.1800, England, Regency brass inlaid rosewood lap desk in the manner of George Bullock
Category

Early 18th Century English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

c. 1860 Swedish Travel or Lap Desk on Custom Made Side Table Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 travel or lap desk on custom made side table stand, Swedish. Marquetry panel top
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

Travel Lap Desk Walnut 19th C. on Stand as Side Table Decorative Gift Antique LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Travel Lap Desk Walnut 19th C. on Stand as Side Table Decorative Gift Antique LA . Exquisite
Category

19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table Cabinet Jewelry Box with Lap Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Japanese Mother of Pearl inlaid jewelry box w lap desk This item includes restricted
Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Superb Antique Folk Art Parquetry Casket Styled Writing Box or Lap Desk
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This exquisite antique parquetry writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have been
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Softwood

Fine Tunbridge Ware Writing Box / Lap Desk, Eridge Castle, circa 1870
Located in Bath, GB
A truly fine example of a Victorian Tunbridge Ware writing box or lap desk dating to circa 1870
Category

1870s British Late Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique English Mahogany Campaign Style Lap Desk Writing Box
Located in Forney, TX
A lovely antique English mahogany campaign style travel desk / writing slope box with beautifully
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique English Gilded Bronze Mounted Coromandel Lap Desk
Located in Bath, GB
A superb quality Victorian writing box / slope in exotic and dramatic Coromandel wood mounted with the most exquisite gilded bronze mounts, all intricately engraved with top-notch sc...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Bronze

English Campaign Style Rosewood Brass Inlaid Lap Desk, circa 1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine quality brass inlaid Campaign style traveling desk with a recessed brass handle engraved
Category

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Exceptional Chinese Export Gilt Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Decorated Lap Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese export, circa 1820. An exceptional quality and rare form. Featuring figural landscape decorations in gilt to the main black lacquer doors, which open to reveal 13 separated c...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Victorian Tunbridge Figured Walnut and Parquetry Lap Desk on Base
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular hinged top with mother of pearl inlay opening to a fitted interior, conforming case, later base.
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

1911 Walnut Burl and Brass Inlays and Leather Inset Travel Desk on Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1911 Mahogany , brass inlays and leather inset traveling lap desk on stand. Measures 20.5" in
Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Mid 19th century burr campaign lap writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century burr campaign lap desk circa 1860. Good quality burr writing box. Beautifully
Category

Mid-19th Century Burmese Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany and Brass Inlays Travel Desk on Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Mahogany and brass and brass inlays traveling lap desk on stand. Measures 22.5"W x 12
Category

19th Century Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Antique Pair of Glass Inkwells with a Brass Lid and a Shield on Top
Located in Stamford, CT
A nice pair of mid-century glass inkwells with brass hinged lids and a shield on top. English lap
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century 3-Piece Diminutive Lacquer Secretary Desk with Nice Chinoiserie
Located in Milford, NH
decoration, including a base table, brass-handled lap desk, and two door cabinet with compartmentalized
Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Mahogany

A Beautiful Victorian Japanned Writing Slope With Decorative Enamel Inlays
Located in High Wycombe, GB
set. Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or other material
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Military Campaign Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Leather Interior
Located in High Wycombe, GB
single glass inkwell and Ink Pen and Lockable Key Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often
Category

19th Century British Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Laptop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th century laptop is also known as a writing slope, or a lap desk! It became wildly popular
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Metal

19th Century Laptop
19th Century Laptop
H 6 in W 16 in D 9.75 in
Amboyna Writing Slope
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good early 19th century Lap Desk or writing slope, unusually constructed in richly figured
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Amboyna

Amboyna Writing Slope
Amboyna Writing Slope
H 7.88 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Amboyna Writing Slope
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good early 19th century lap desk or writing slope, unusually constructed in richly figured
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

Amboyna Writing Slope
Amboyna Writing Slope
H 7.75 in W 19.6 in D 11.25 in
Rare Regency Rosewood Writing Slope With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe
By John Lambe
Located in High Wycombe, GB
desks (writing boxes, as we know them today) and dressing cases. Antique lap desks had hinged writing
Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

18th Century Grand Tour Classical Panel with Allegorical Inlaid Figures
Located in Atlanta, GA
collection Note: this piece was likely part of a lap desk at one point and boy would I have loved to see it
Category

18th Century Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Mahogany

Rare 19th Century English Eclipse Patented Telescopic Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
central section which functions just like a lap desk with a storage compartment underneath. Above it is a
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Burl Walnut Tunbridge Writing Slope Box
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique English burl walnut and ebony inlaid tunbridge writing slope box / lap desk, circa
Category

19th Century English Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

Victorian Walnut Sewing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
lap desks. There is a large pierced carved pull out holding drawer under the work surface. The inside
Category

Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

Victorian Walnut Sewing Table
Victorian Walnut Sewing Table
H 30 in W 23 in D 16 in
Antique Victorian Traveling Desk With Ebony and Mother-of-Pearl Banding
Located in Morristown, NJ
Victorian English bird's eye maple lap desk, with ebony and mother-of-pearl inlay. The dome shaped
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Birdseye Maple, Ebony

A Rare 19th Century Killarney Ware Marquetry Writing Slope, Ireland Circa 1875
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & relatively rare Killarney Ware marquetry writing slope / lap desk, the yew wood
Category

Late 19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Other

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Dickens Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a truly superb antique Victorian Period burr walnut Dickens pedestal desk, circa 1880 in
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Walnut

19th Century English Victorian Campaign Style Travel Desk Writing Box
Located in Forney, TX
A antique Victorian era English campaign style brass bound mahogany portable lap desk / writing
Category

Mid-19th Century English Campaign Antique Lap Desk

Materials

Brass

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Antique Lap Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique lap desk for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, every antique lap desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the antique lap desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique lap desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, Regency and Georgian styles are sought with frequency. J.A. Simpson & Co, Parkins & Gotto and Tiffany & Co. each produced at least one beautiful antique lap desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Antique Lap Desk?

Prices for an antique lap desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $150 and can go as high as $18,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,850.
Questions About Antique Lap Desk
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.