Rare Grand Anglo Indian Brass Bound Campaign Writing Slope / Lap Desk in Amboyna - Secret Drawers

A true Anglo-Indian campaign writing box rarely found in exotic Amboyna, the most expensive timber in the world. This box would have been custom made for a high ranking officer.

The tight, curly grain of the timber is framed with brass edges and inlaid straps, true campaign style with beautifully inlaid flush handles to each side.

The box is opened to reveal a Paduk and Camphorwood interior. The original velvet scriver or writing surface remains intact and the quality continues with all edges lined in polished brass. Once opened, this releases the drawer to the right hand side which can now be opened.

There is a pair of (later) brass topped inkwells, a removable pen rest with storage below, a lidded compartment and a sloped compartment for nibs or clips.

Under one of the inkwells a small hole can be detected, this is how the secret drawers are opened, I unraveled a paper clip and poked in to release the sprung panel covering the three drawers. The front of the drawers once had ribbon pulls as knobs would fit behind the panel .. I think the bits in the drawers are what were used.

A really grand box, most impressive and hefty (no need to worry about shipping costs as these are included), 20" x 11" x 7 1/2" tall. Pen & Stationery for display purposes only.