19TH CENTURY MAHOGANY WRITING DESK

A BRIEF HISTORY

The portable writing desk takes the form of a small box, designed to be placed on a table. It foreshadows the first desks. It is generally of luxurious craftsmanship, more decorative than utilitarian, made with precious woods in both solid wood and marquetry.

It typically consists of two parts:

• The main section, at the front, contains sheets of paper and various documents, closed by an inclined fall-front, covered or not with leather, allowing one to write or draw;
• The rear section is a small compartment closed by a lid, containing writing implements (inkwell, quill, pen wiper, drying sand box, etc.).

A NOTE ON CONSERVATION/RESTORATION

Provide a more detailed description of the object’s exterior.

With the writing desk open, a circular hole is visible on the left and right edges, containing an iron screw.

A square-ended key, housed in the left edge, allows the two screws to be driven into the table on which the desk rests, preventing it from falling during rough movement.

Given the condition of the varnish and veneer, thinning the finish was out of the question. I therefore proceeded with varnish stripping, veneer restoration, brass cleaning, and regluing of the assembly. In agreement with the owner, it was also decided to remove the felt lining, which was extremely worn, and replace it with leather. The collectively agreed finish is pad-applied varnish.