Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

This is a superb antique Victorian large brass-bound mahogany writing slope in excellent condition, c.1860.

All brass corner mounts and fittings are present and undamaged. It possesses a Bramah lock with a crown above 'VR Patent' stamped on the top.

The top opens to reveal a slope inset with the original gilded and blind stamped burgundy leather. The gilding is particularly fine.

Both cut glass ink bottles are present and undamaged, and have the name G Riddle stamped on their green painted and gilt brass lids. These rare ink bottles, when they appear individually, sell for about £100 each.

There are three secret drawers hidden beneath a plain mahogany panel which is released by pushing down a lever at the bottom of a small compartment next to one of the ink bottles.

Size: 18 inches wide x 10 1/2 inches deep x 6 1/4 inches high (46 x 26.5 x 16 cm). Weighing 7.5 kg, this is a heavy box .

Condition: The writing slope is in lovely condition. There are a couple of tiny shrinkage cracks and some darkish marks on the top, a knob is missing from a secret drawer, and both external and internal keys are sadly missing. Overall, this is a fine quality and beautifully-made box.

Manufacturer: G. Riddle is for Gabriel Riddle, who had a workshop at 172 Blackfriars Road, London. He is best known for inventing the mechanical pencil in partnership with Samuel Mordan. The partnership dissolved in 1837 and by 1841 Gabriel Riddle is recorded as a 'Manufacturer of superior articles including pens, pencils, ink holders, and locks on the Bramah and Barron patent principle'. He developed a number of patents including the 'Hemispherical Stoppered Bottles', 'Five & Seven Guarded Locks', 'Universal Penholder', and the 'Revolving Top Inkstand among others.

Postage & packing: £10 within the UK. Please contact us for a postage quote if you live overseas.