Featured Anglo Indian carved Ebony Writing slope 1840c

Here is a writing slope I rescued, I had it restored now it looks wonderful, I don't know why it looks so bad in the photos but in real life it looks black all over without looking like it needs a clean lol. The flash has really bought out the red in the ebony that isn't visible normally. Just another example of skill the Indians had at carving in the 19th c

 

Lovely, glad you rescued it.

 

As an active collector of antique writing slopes, I can tell you that you've purchased a real beauty there! Although the lock on the lid could do with some attending to.

Also, I'd be very careful with opening and closing the writing-leaves, unless you're intending to get that repaired. The only thing holding them together is going to be glue, fabric, the surface-covering, and faith in the lord almighty.

 

VERY Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Beautiful!

 

Hi, Yeah, it took me a year to find a lock that would fit, so not the original, I need to fashion a keep for the lock as well The leaves are held on by a small strip of leather so very fragile. Would you agree with the date?

 

I also have another 2, an ebony reeded one and a palm wood one both 3 tier.

 

Very beautiful. I'm jealous!

 

The date looks fine, but DO be careful with the seam on those writing-leaves.

Here's one of mine from ca. 1863. Same basic style as yours...

 

Wow what a slope!!!! The condition is amazing, with all the original accessories too, love the ink wells (and the rest). I have always shied away from leather because of it's fragility but your one looks as good as the day it was made. Added to all of that, it's by Toulmin and Gale, later to become Betjemann and Gale. Fantastic slope... I would love to see more of your slopes One day I hope to be able to afford a Sadeil slope but I'm sure if that day ever comes my wife will have better plans for the money lol

 

My other ebony one, unfortunately the ebony has really suffered from shrinkage on the top and other problems

 

It is indeed, made by T&G. Established in 1735, and defunct in 1876. And yes, it was later bought out by its creditors and turned into Betjemann & Gale.

I clearly don't need to tell you how fragile these slopes are. That's why they're SO hard to find. Even broken ones cost ridiculously huge amounts of money!!

Here's my other slopes, for your delectation and delight...



...this one is from about 1870-1880. Comes with an ivory page-turner, an unused antique pencil, and a sterling silver pen-holder, made by Sampson Mordan & Co. The pen and pencil set on the T&G one was made by Mappin & Webb, and is ivory & silver (and all the other accessories were ivory, as well).

It has an inscription on the lid (engraving on the plate) which says "S. NEAVERSON. 1886".



This one, I rescued from almost certain destruction. Literally EVERYTHING had to be repaired. The inkwell, the inkstand, the lock, the key, the paper-storage, but unfortunately, nothing could get rid of the scratches you see on the writing-slope. I tried literally every trick in the book and nothing worked.

Again, from about 1870-1880.



This is a ladies' writing box, from about 1880. Red leather. Unusual layout. I've only ever seen three boxes like this (including this one!) and this was the only one in decent condition...



...the other side, with all the original implements. Nail-file, button-hook, paper-knife, crochet hooks, etc etc.

I do have a fifth one, which for some reason I have never photographed. I'll have to take pictures of it!

 

Stunning, absolutely stunning.... I know how you feel when trying to put an antique back to the way it should be, you try your hardest but sometimes it doesn't work no matter what you try, especially with leather, you can't even have it redone unless you want to spend the earth and even then it's history is gone, you may as well have had a reproduction made. I haven't owned anything by Sampson Mordan & Co other than a Ink well but the ink well in question was a very special one, I bought in a ebay auction, I paid £60 (the wife went mad) then resold it for £430 a short time later (a happy wife)