Boxes like this come in many forms, needlework, writing slopes, jewelry, and purpose made for the wealthy of another age.
Writing Slopes
This is one of those pieces of functional furniture that was a must have for the traveler before the computer age. It would contain complete stationary supplies- pens, ink in sealed bottles, used before fountain and ballpoint pens, pencils, blotting paper, envelopes and all your contact addresses, typically locked for privacy.
“No passwords”.
This particular box shown with the burnt on initials HH belongs to someone who now, an adult and looking back at the damage with regret on this family history piece wanted it restored without to customization. I replaced all the field veneer and restored the damaged geometric banding. The interior damaged blue leather writing area was replaced and a set of appropriate style hinges installed. The damage to the back and other areas were also re-veneered with similar matching veneer used on the top. Although not shown the base was recovered with a soft red felt .
The one shown is a writing slope which opens to reveal a leather surface writing area which needed replacing and the related wood structure below needed attention both surfaces hinge up enabling storage of supplies below. Unfortunately, the inkwells were missing from the cavities on each side of the writing area.
Like all writing slopes the writing area needed replacing and the related wood structure below needed attention both surfaces hinge up enabling storage of supplies below. Unfortunately the inkwells were missing from the cavities each side of the writing area.
This combination of a jewel box suggests it was custom designed for a lady traveler. I am not sure what the custom stitching on the inside of the lid was for perhaps a set of cutlery…one must be ‘civilized’, you know!
I did not take pictures of the before however many small pieces were missing or damaged and a deep crack across the middle radiating from the left of the Mother of pearl shield to the edge.
