Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19

Antique 19th century English Mahogany veneered leather inlaid brown writing box

$1,447.06
£1,078.85
€1,220
CA$1,987.32
A$2,224.20
CHF 1,161.38
MX$27,135.43
NOK 14,742.22
SEK 13,989.46
DKK 9,292.59
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

On offer here is an elegant English mahogany writing box dating back to the late 19th century, around 1880. The box, with gently rounded upper corners, was crafted from solid pine wood and then veneered with rich mahogany. At the center of the lid, there is an inlaid oval piece of mother-of-pearl, complemented by a matching mother-of-pearl escutcheon surrounding the keyhole. The box retains its original hinges, locks, and key, all in excellent working condition. When opened, this sophisticated writing box reveals a sloped leather writing surface, crafted from green-dyed sheepskin leather and adorned with a decorative gold-leaf border. The writing surface folds open on both sides, offering hidden storage space beneath for letters and documents. This writing box has been gently cleaned in our workshop, ensuring it is pristine, complete, and fully functional—a timeless piece of craftsmanship ready to be admired and used. An English mahogany writing box, also known as a writing slope or lap desk, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. These portable writing desks were essential for both personal and professional use, especially during a time when travel and correspondence were becoming increasingly important. Initially, writing boxes were made from oak and often featured intricate carvings. However, by the late 18th century, mahogany became the preferred material due to its durability and attractive appearance[1]. These boxes were designed to be both functional and stylish, often featuring brass fittings, secret compartments, and a sloping surface for writing[2]. The writing box was a personal item, unlike a writing desk or table, and was used extensively by military officers, travellers, and writers. It provided a portable solution for writing letters, keeping journals, and managing documents. The interior typically included compartments for ink bottles, pens, paper, and other writing essentials[3]. During the 19th century, the design of writing boxes evolved to include more elaborate decorations and additional features such as reading stands and drawers for extra storage[4]. These boxes were not only practical but also a symbol of status and intellectual pursuit. Overall, the English mahogany writing box is a fascinating piece of history that reflects the social and economic developments of its time, as well as the craftsmanship and attention to detail of its makers. Note: The mahogany veneer is from the genus Toona and the species is Ciliate. This specific Mahogany species is not affected by Cites and can therefore be shipped across borders without problems.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.91 in (15 cm)Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 10.24 in (26 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Mahogany
  • Place of Origin:
    England
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Casteren, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU97091288742

More From This Seller

View All
Antique 19th century warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box
Located in Casteren, NL
This exquisite antique writing box was meticulously handcrafted using traditional joinery techniques, with beautifully visible dovetail joints at the corners. Made in the Southern Ne...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Empire Desks

Materials

Steel

Antique 19th century warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box

Antique 19th century warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box

$2,822
Antique 19th Century German Solid Oak Dome Top Chest Trunk Coffer Box
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful trunk was made in western Germany in the early 19th century circa 1800. It was made completely in the finest quality European summer oak. The dovetail joints connectin...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique 19th Century German Solid Oak Dome Top Chest Trunk Coffer Box

Antique 19th Century German Solid Oak Dome Top Chest Trunk Coffer Box

$3,795 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique Antique 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Bargueño in Solid Chestnut Wood
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is an exceptional Spanish Renaissance bargueño, crafted in the mid 19th century, from solid chestnut wood. This masterpiece, with its warm brown color, exudes timeless ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Renaissance Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Unique Antique 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Bargueño in Solid Chestnut Wood

Unique Antique 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Bargueño in Solid Chestnut Wood

$11,386 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Late 18th-Century German Oak and Fruitwood Marquetry Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This rural trunk was made in the countryside of eastern Germany in the late 18th century. The trunk or chest was completely made in solid European summer oak. All four sides and lid ...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Blanket Chests

Materials

Steel

Antique Late 18th-Century German Oak and Fruitwood Marquetry Trunk or Chest

Antique Late 18th-Century German Oak and Fruitwood Marquetry Trunk or Chest

$4,685
Antique 17th century Italian Renaissance Solid Walnut handcarved Cassone Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This richly carved wooden chest is a fine example of an Italian cassone from the 17th century. The cassone, also known as a bridal chest, was an essential piece of furniture in the h...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Antique 17th century Italian Renaissance Solid Walnut handcarved Cassone Chest

Antique 17th century Italian Renaissance Solid Walnut handcarved Cassone Chest

$11,861
Antique 20th-Century French Art Deco Mahogany Veneered Display or Bar Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful French Art Deco bar cabinet was made in mid-France in the early 20th century circa 1925. It features a strong geometric design that is typical for art deco furniture. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Antique 20th-Century French Art Deco Mahogany Veneered Display or Bar Cabinet

Antique 20th-Century French Art Deco Mahogany Veneered Display or Bar Cabinet

$6,523

You May Also Like

Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Writing Box with Leather Slope
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome mahogany writing box with leather slope and hidden storage with key, English, circa 1780.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British George III More Furniture and Collecti...

Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Writing Box with Leather Slope

Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Writing Box with Leather Slope

$2,750
Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing box with two lift up tops opening to reveal a writing surface with original ink bottles an...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Other

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Writing Box

$1,089 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Watch Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Fully Lined Interior From our Jewellery Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Mahogany Watch Box. The Watch Box of slender rectangular form made from solid Mahogany w...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Watch Box

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Watch Box

$1,771
Free Shipping
Early 19th Century English Walnut Writing Box with Inlay
Located in Tampa, FL
This exquisite English walnut writing box is a true testament to 19th century craftsmanship, featuring intricate mother of pearl and satinwood inlay. The elegant floral motif at the ...
Category

Antique 1880s English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Satinwood, Walnut

Early 19th Century English Walnut Writing Box with Inlay

Early 19th Century English Walnut Writing Box with Inlay

$875
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Box With Satinwood Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
English Regency mahogany box with satinwood inlay. The four corners of the top are inlaid with lovely triangular scalloped decoration. All the border molding are also satinwood inlay...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

19th Century English Regency Mahogany Box With Satinwood Inlay

19th Century English Regency Mahogany Box With Satinwood Inlay

$1,450
19th Century Rosewood & Inlay Stationary Writing Slope With Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Victorian Rosewood Decorative Inlaid Writing Slope With An Engraved Shield. Stationary Compartments and Storage Space. The item has black ebonised decorative accents & is fitted with a tooled black leather interior Supplied with two glass inkwells A new leather writing pad A vintage ink pen...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Desk Sets

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Rosewood & Inlay Stationary Writing Slope With Leather Interior

19th Century Rosewood & Inlay Stationary Writing Slope With Leather Interior

$3,434 / set

More Ways To Browse

Solid Gold Box
Antique Box Stand
18th Century Gold Box
Gold Bar Box
Inlaid Box
Antique Bar Box
Antique Leather Box
Antique Game Box
Secret Boxes
Wood Box With Stand
Antique Inlaid Box
Antique Mahogany Boxes
Antique Ships Box
Offering Box
Pen Box
Green Wood Box
Round Wood Box
Antique Oak Box Boxes
View All Popular Boxes Searches