Antique 19th Century English Tun Bridge Ware Burl Walnut Marketry Slope Lap Desk

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Antique 19th Century English Tun Bridge Ware Burl Walnut Marketry Slope Lap Desk

A 19th century antique English Tunbridge Ware … Read more Antique 19th Century English Tun Bridge Ware Burl Walnut Marketry Slope Lap Desk

A 19th century antique English Tunbridge Ware writing slope or lap desk. This is a portable writing box made from burl walnut with a hinged lid that opens to reveal a writing surface and compartments for stationery, inkwells, and pens. The distinctive geometric mosaic inlay (marketry) pattern, known as Tunbridge Ware, is a form of decorative woodworking that originated in the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in England. These writing slopes were popular in the 19th century. This desk also features mother-of-pearl inlay and has a working lock. The interior desk platform is covered with red kid leather. There is a slot for pens, a glass inkwell with stopper, and several openings and compartments. There are small locks that hold the top compartment shut if you are using it in an upright position. This is lined on the bottom with some type of fabric. This is in amazing antique condition, inside is clean and undamaged, exterior is nice, there is a small crack on the front of the lid (pictured), bottom corners bumped. Measures 12 x 9 x 5.5 inches in the closed position. See less