A Victorian rosewood and mother of pearl inlaid writing cabinet of architectural form, dating to circa 1870.
The rising caddy top opens to reveal a fitted stationery wallet and integrated photograph frame within the lid. The exterior is veneered in richly figured rosewood with fine stringing and circular inlaid roundels to the doors and drawer fronts. Each door features a stylised foliate mother of pearl panel, framed within delicate line inlay.
Below the caddy top, twin doors open to enclose three fitted drawers with turned wooden knobs and matching inlay. The lower drawer is fitted as a leather-lined writing slope with gilt tooling to the border. Beneath the slope is a compartmented interior for writing implements.
The cabinet retains various period writing accessories, including: 🌿 Assorted vintage dip pen nibs 🌿 Pencil leads 🌿 Writing implements 🌿 Glass inkwell (worn)
These items appear later additions but complement the cabinet’s intended use and will be included in the sale.
The form is typical of quality mid-Victorian domestic writing cabinets — substantial enough for desk display yet compact enough for portability. Rosewood and mother of pearl inlay were favoured materials for higher-grade examples of this type.
Dimensions 🌿 Width: 33 cm 🌿 Height: 33 cm 🌿 Depth: 26 cm
Condition An honest, unrestored example with age-related wear.
🌿 Loss to the right-hand door lock plate and escutcheon area 🌿 Timber loss and wear to the lock recess 🌿 No key present 🌿 Interior leather worn and partially torn 🌿 Interior paper lining worn 🌿 Surface marks and polish wear consistent with age 🌿 Inlay largely intact 🌿 Structurally sound overall
Displays well and remains functional, though sympathetic restoration would enhance value.
Our Antique Forager Ethos We source antique and vintage pieces for their craftsmanship, character and individuality, selecting only those that stand out and carry a story worthy of passing on.
Shipping Free UK postage. Worldwide delivery available — rates vary by destination and weight. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. Every item is carefully packed and insured.
