Summary:
• Item: Writing Table / Compendium
• Circa: 1890
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Solid mahogany
• Folding base
• Cross banded satinwood inlay
• Original Brass hinged mechanism
• Original full grain olive green leather interior
• Paper holding writing surface
• 8 item holders next to writing pad
• Small compartment with press stud lid closure
• Built-in ink well
• 2 large item holders
• Locking leather pocket
• Document storage pocket
• Original working locks & keys
• Original brass locking hinges
• Shaped legs with uniting stretcher
• Original polish & patination
• Extremely functional
• Excellent condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland
• Free 14-day UK returns policy
Description:
This is a fine quality antique English Victorian mahogany folding campaign-writing table / compendium, circa 1890, in good working original condition, made to be taken on campaign due to its compact size and ability to be carried easily and folded away when not in use. Functioning as a means of writing or working table while travelling, this desk comprises a mahogany panelled case, decorated with cross banded satinwood inlay & ebonised string border. The case features the original working lock & key. To open the writing table, the key must be pushed in and then turned. The case can then be folded out until it locks into place. When the table is sitting horizontally, the metal ball locks are fixed in position to stop the table collapsing inwards. With the case open, this reveals a full grain olive green leather lined interior. The interior also boasts a writing surface with paper insert. Either side of the writing surface are a total of 8 small item holders (in two of these can be found a letter sealing wax block). Additionally, there is a small lidded compartment with press stud closure. The folding table also boasts a built-in ink well, two large item holders, between which is a locking leather pocket, below further storage provision for small items. Underneath is document / paper storage pocket. To close the writing table, the two ball-locks, located on the underside, must be pushed in. The case can then be folded shut; the locking latch will click, securing it. When closed, the writing desk can be easily stored in a confined area. The table is attached to four supporting pretty folding legs, with the innermost legs having two stretchers for additional strength. This item is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.
The table feature a rich brown mahogany colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This writing table / compendium would look superb in the office or library. It would certainly grace any home and is a great investment as it is extremely functional. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
A variety of similar writing tables to this one was made by a number of companies in the late 19th century, and in various woods. Albert Barker, Harrods and the Army & Navy Store Club Ltd. are just a few of the makers and retailers who are known to have sold similar writing tables. This one is however unnamed and the provenance is unknown.
Condition Report:
This writing compendium is in good working original condition. The internal dark green leather skiver is original and in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks are present, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The interior retains all its original components, with no missing or damaged pieces. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges of the oak exterior but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The case also retains the original working lock with working key, as well as the original working metal ball locks, which keep the writing table locked in place when open. The internal locking pocket also retains its original working lock, with working key. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. The folding leg mechanism is in excellent working order. The table stands firm on the ground it does not wobble, is solid in joint and is ready to use.
Dimensions (Open):
External Height = 78.9cm or 31” or 2ft 7”
External Width = 60.8cm or 24” or 2ft
External Depth = 67.5cm or 26⅝” or 2ft 2⅝”
Writing Height = 72.2cm or 28⅜” or 2ft 4⅜”
Writing Width = 38.9cm or 15⅜” or 1ft 3⅜”
Writing Depth = 28.2cm or 11⅛”
Knee Height = 70cm or 27½” or 2ft 3½”
Dimensions (Closed):
Height = 96.4cm or 38” or 3ft 2”
Width = 60.8cm or 24” or 2ft
Depth = 37.2cm or 14⅝” or 1ft 2⅝”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 39434