Amboyna veneer writing box

Description

Amboyna veneer writing box. Item 1909.This large writing box (sometimes also called a writing slope) is veneered with a wonderful cut of Amboyna. The edges are inlaid with ebony, ivory and abalone or paua shell. Inside the box are spaces for paper and envelopes, an inkwell, pens and nibs and two small secret drawers. The exterior shows a lovely mellow patina, whilst inside it has retained its original gold tooled velvet covering to the actual slope, its original key and working lock. The width is 410 mm (16 & 1/8th inches), the depth 283 mm (11 & 8th inches) and it stands 162 mm (6 & 3/8th inches) high. Over the years there has been some shrinkage of the timber resulting in some cracks to the  veneer-these have been stabilised. C 1840.

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