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 warm brown oak Dutch Lectern or portable desk writing box

$2,841.19
£2,095.84
€2,380
CA$3,921.80
A$4,357.55
CHF 2,290.59
MX$53,188.60
NOK 28,961.21
SEK 27,151.78
DKK 18,117.85

About the Item

This exquisite antique writing box was meticulously handcrafted using traditional joinery techniques, with beautifully visible dovetail joints at the corners. Made in the Southern Netherlands around 1820, it was constructed from high-quality European White Oak and stained a rich, deep brown. The finish includes multiple layers of hand-applied shellac, followed by carefully buffed beeswax, which over time has developed a stunning patina, enhancing its antique charm. Standing on four finely turned feet, the writing box features a slanted, hinged lid that securely locks with its original, fully functional lock and key. Upon opening, the beautifully hinges are revealed, testifying to its craftsmanship. Inside, the writing box is fitted with two drawers, one of which has a working lock and key, offering secure storage for important documents or writing essentials. This rare 19th-century piece is in exceptional original condition. It has been gently cleaned and given a fresh coat of wax to preserve its integrity while maintaining its rich, historical character. Perfect as a writing slope, portable desk, or book stand, this elegant writing box is not only a functional antique but also a timeless decorative piece, ready to be used and admired.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.39 in (21.3 cm)Width: 27.37 in (69.5 cm)Depth: 20.08 in (51 cm)
  • Style:
    Empire (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Oak,Steel,Lacquered,Polished,Stained
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1820
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Casteren, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU970944222872

More From This Seller

View All
Antique early 20th century Dutch warm brown carved oak Pander Side Table
By Pander
Located in Casteren, NL
This refined side table, crafted around 1910 by the renowned Dutch furniture maker Pander, combines exceptional craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Made from solid oak, it feature...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Renaissance Revival Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Small Antique Early 18th Century German Oak Paneled Trunk or Coffer
Located in Casteren, NL
This small table trunk was made in Germany in the early 18th century. Both front and lid have two flat recessed panels with molded trim. It has the original forged steel keyplate, lo...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century German Blanket Chests

Materials

Steel

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 warm brown English Oak Regency Slant-Front Desk
Located in Casteren, NL
Elegant English slant front secretary desk from the Regency period, crafted around 1820. Made from solid oak, this finely built piece has a deep, warm brown tone with a soft sheen an...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th century warm brown English Oak Georgian Slant-Front Desk
Located in Casteren, NL
This English slant-front secretary desk, crafted around 1800, is a fine example of late Georgian furniture (circa 1760–1820). This style is characterized by restrained elegance, clean lines, and refined craftsmanship, combining practicality with aesthetic balance. The desk is made entirely of solid European summer oak—an unmistakable mark of quality, especially since similar desks often feature pine for their interior components. The warm, deep brown color, rich patina, and soft sheen give the piece a distinctive and authentic character. The fall-front is a flat panel fitted with its original brass escutcheon and a working lock. When opened, the writing surface is supported by the two outer top drawers, creating a stable and spacious workspace. The interior is beautifully arranged: directly behind the writing surface lies a recessed well, and behind it a central compartment enclosed by a door, complete with matching working lock and key. Flanking this central section are six small drawers, with open pigeonholes positioned above them, tucked beneath a finely scalloped valance—an elegant layout for organizing correspondence and writing tools. The construction reveals traditional craftsmanship, including exposed dovetail joints connecting the sides to the top. The drawers are fitted with finely pierced brass hardware, and all locks—on the drawers, fall-front, and interior compartment—operate with a single original key, a rare and telling detail of the desk’s authenticity. The piece stands on classic bracket feet, typical of the period. The desk is in excellent condition with no defects. It was gently cleaned and treated with a fresh layer of protective wax in our workshop. This graceful historic desk...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique 17h Century Spanish Chestnut Warm Brown Gateleg or Dropleaf Table
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here, is an exquisite piece of history—an antique gateleg or dropleaf table originating from Spain, dating back to the late 17th century, circa 1680. This remarkable table i...
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Chestnut

You May Also Like

English Hard Wood Portable Writing Desk, circa 1850
By OTHR
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
English country portable writing desk with lifting writing surface, it has its original bronze ironworks, late 18th century.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Mexican Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century Spanish Walnut Writing Desk with Door and Drawers in the Interior
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish walnut writing desk with door and drawers in the Interior.
Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Secretaires

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 fitted interior, small glass inkwell, lion head drop ring handles, raised on turn c...
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Desks

Materials

Metal

Large Dutch Colonial Amboyna and Ebony Indonesian Writing Desk, 18th Century
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large Indonesian amboyna and ebony portable writing desk with brass mounts Indonesia, 18th century With several compartments between the ...
Category

Antique 18th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Desk Sets

Materials

Ebony, Amboyna

19th Century Oak School Desk or Lectern
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century oak school desk or lectern. Lift top reveals document compartment, over two lower drawers each with inlaid fruitwood key escutcheon (no k...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Desks

Materials

Oak

Small Writing Table With Two Drawers In Mahogany 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine mahogany writing table with two drawers from the 19th century from England Elegant desk which has two drawers in the belt which is entirely in solid mahogany The desk rests o...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Desks

Materials

Mahogany