Antique English Campaign Victorian Era Mahogany Portable Lap Desk Writing Slope Box 19th Century Officers Field Desk

A antique Victorian era English campaign style brass bound mahogany portable lap desk / writing slope with nicely aged patina. circa 1850

Commonly used by military officers in the field, traveling merchants and businessmen, this remarkable writing box was exquisitely hand-crafted in England in the mid-19th century, featuring a rectangular brass band and escutcheon plate mounted mahogany case, with hinged lid that lifts open to reveal an interior with inset purple velvet writing surface, fitted with concave curved wooden pen tray, and double inkwell compartments. Both sides of the writing surface lift open to large storage compartments for stationary letters, documents and writing accessories. Lacking brass top plate.

Provenance:
A fine Santa Fe, New Mexico estate collection.

Dimensions: (approx)
Box: 6" High, 14" Wide, 9.25" Deep
Open: 18.5" Deep

Condition Report:
Overall in good antique condition, with beautiful patina over the whole. Warm, rich mahogany coloring, superb grain detail, and elegantly aged wood glow, with lustrous sheen. Strong and solid, with wear and tear consistent with age and use, including imperfections such as scuffs, light scratches, age related splits to wood, lacking brass top plate, and key. All do not detract from the overall aesthetics but add to the overall antique character, rustic charm, elegant warmth and rich historical depth acquired from over 150 years of age and use.