Writing Slope, Antique Victorian Lap Desk, Marine Walnut Brass, Scotland, B1096

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About the Item

Writing slope, antique Victorian lap desk, marine walnut brass, Scotland, 1870, B1096 Scotland, 1892 (dated as such on engraved plaque) Figured walnut Original brass straps Opens to reveal a black leather top Double hinged slope Pen tray centre flanked by four compartments incl. Two inkwell holders (inkwells missing) Three secret drawers below Good condition but top lid shows scuff marks $675 B1096 Measure: 17.5" W x 10" D x 7" H Shipping $65 by Canada Post. Writing Slope As an antique the lap desk is a smaller variant of the Writing Slope. It is also called a writing box or a writing cabinet. In certain instances it is known as a portable desk, a term which is usually applied to larger forms. Most antique lap desks are really meant to be used on a table or some other stable surface. They are often strongly built of fine hardwoods like mahogany or walnut. 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 (like this one!) also had concealed storage compartments. Modern Writing Slope/Lap Desk As a modern form the writing slope is meant primarily for use in bed and other similar circumstances, it is also known as a bed desk. There are a wide variety of forms available, but as a rule it is much smaller and simpler than the antique lap desk, having at the most a small drawer or holding area for a ballpoint pen or a pencil. It is also made of much cheaper materials, save for a few craft productions. Certain lap desks have a removable monopod, which makes them a collapsible cousin to the lectern desk. Others have two short collapsible legs, so that they can be used both in bed and on a lap, when the legs are folded. Finally, some come with a built-in battery powered lamp, continuing the tradition of those antique lap desks and writing slopes which had swinging or hinged brass candle holders built in. Some new lap desks now have a built-in cup holder. Most modern lap desks are considered specialty items and very few modern furniture dealers keep them in stock. They are present, however, in a large number of antiques catalogs and on some Web sites that feature steampunk or antique items.

Dimensions:
Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Length: 7 in (17.78 cm)
Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Walnut,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Scotland
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
1890
Condition:
Seller Location:
Vancouver, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: B10961stDibs: LU911310294293