Handsome small antique writing box/slope.
 
The box is a beautiful warm walnut? Rosewood? With an inlaid parquetry geometric design akin the a Greek key pattern. The lid has an oval vacant cartouche which is echoed in the engraved MOP key escutcheon.
 
Internally the box has a section at the back with a tip tilt pen compartment, stamp slide and ink bottle compartment (no ink well) and there is a lift up tray at the front which has been lined with emerald green cotton velvet. The inside of the lid has been lined with a good coordinating paper with barley twist braid.
 
The lift up tray reveals a green lined writing slope under which is a further void for keeping envelopes, papers and or precious documents.
 
A working lock is present and the supplied key does turn the lock but the internal prongs don’t quite “catch” so maybe not the original key?
 
The underside of the box has been lined with green felt to prevent scratches to the furniture it is placed upon.
 
Condition 
 
Historic stable crack to front of box as per pictures.
 
Dimensions 
 
29 x 21.5 x 16cm