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Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe

About the Item

A Beautiful Handcrafted 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished With A Decorative Brass Inlay. Manufactured By Esteemed Maker Wells & Lambe. Item will include new notepad pad, Quill pen (modern), and two brass -topped glass inkwells and lockable key. Exquisite Gift For The Writing Enthusiast. Maker: John Wells was a pocket-book manufacturer based at 34 Cockspur Street. After his death in 1804, his two children, Thomas and Elizabeth Wells, having both apprenticed with him, continued the business under the name of J. Wells & Co. John Lambe began working as a pocket book manufacturer and silversmith. In 1809, John Lambe married Elizabeth Wells, John Wells’ daughter, acquiring her share of the J. Wells & Co business; it is their collaboration and partnership that became known as Wells & Lambe. Their business was first documented in 1811, having a manufactory and shop based at 29 Cockspur Street, with a second shop at 44 New Bond Street, London. Initially working as jewellers, silversmiths and pocket-book manufacturer’s, Wells & Lambe soon expanded their repertoire, specialising in copying machines, portable writing desks (writing boxes, as we know them today) and dressing cases. Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or other material, that flip up to reveal storage space for papers. Individual compartments were designed to hold inkwells, pens, sealing wax, and other contemporary writing materials. Some desks also had concealed storage compartments.
  • Creator:
    John Lambe (Cabinetmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)Width: 14.18 in (36 cm)Depth: 9.85 in (25 cm)
  • Style:
    Regency (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In original condition, item has lovely warm patina, with light wear consistent with age. There are some losses to inlaid brass decoration.
  • Seller Location:
    Reading, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: KF*** Wells writing slope #37 rl 1stDibs: LU8232235474302

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