Large Writing Slope Restoration
Commission by friend Kathy
Dates to between 1887 & 1904
Dates to between 1887 & 1904
Sympathetic restoration complete
Received 17th February 2025, mainly disassembled.
Issues to address are:
Cartouche missing from the centre of the lid.
Two corner trims detached, one is missing.
No keys (two locks). One found, but the main lock requires a specialist key which was later found.
Split behind right hinge and some damage, but all pieces present.
Dividers all detatched.
Damage to trim above secret drawers.
Don't know how to open the secret compartment.
Tray base requires re-gluing.
Requires new leather skiver and baize for base.
Issues to address are:
Cartouche missing from the centre of the lid.
Two corner trims detached, one is missing.
No keys (two locks). One found, but the main lock requires a specialist key which was later found.
Split behind right hinge and some damage, but all pieces present.
Dividers all detatched.
Damage to trim above secret drawers.
Don't know how to open the secret compartment.
Tray base requires re-gluing.
Requires new leather skiver and baize for base.
Wednesday 19th February
Gluing the cracks started
This meant I had to remove another brass corner trim. It also needs to be straightened
Gluing the cracks started
This meant I had to remove another brass corner trim. It also needs to be straightened
Hinges have been in the cleaning solution. One found to be broken. Requires soldering.
The main lock was made by J Bramah of 164 Piccadilly. It requires a security key, like the one on the right.
The main lock was made by J Bramah of 164 Piccadilly. It requires a security key, like the one on the right.
I've worked out how to access the secret drawers. See the tiny hidden hole in the first image.
Tuesday 25th February
Making a new cartouche
Making a new cartouche
Wednesday 26th February
A day of gluing, cleaning and polishing, but first, I needed to make a new secret compartment opening rod. Tricky, as I don't have a lathe. Then a lot of cleaning up of joints before applying the glue. Mostly I've used PVA because of it's strength, but in some cases I've used genuine hide glue as this can be released without damage using gentle heat should it be necessary.
A day of gluing, cleaning and polishing, but first, I needed to make a new secret compartment opening rod. Tricky, as I don't have a lathe. Then a lot of cleaning up of joints before applying the glue. Mostly I've used PVA because of it's strength, but in some cases I've used genuine hide glue as this can be released without damage using gentle heat should it be necessary.
Thursday 27th February
More gluing and reassembly.
New brass escutcheon cut and shaped for the desk flap keyhole
Brass knob to replace missing composite drawer pull - I did replace the other two as both were broken
Trim, cartouche & escutcheon glued in using expanding glue.
More gluing and reassembly.
New brass escutcheon cut and shaped for the desk flap keyhole
Brass knob to replace missing composite drawer pull - I did replace the other two as both were broken
Trim, cartouche & escutcheon glued in using expanding glue.
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Saturday 1st March
All brass trim cleaned off leaving some patina The outside polish cleaned off using steel wool dipped in methylated spirit then rubbed down ready to re-finish with shellac. Inkwell cleaned up and the cartouche sealed in with wax New green leather skiver ordered (right). There's going to be a short delay as I've needed to send a template so as to make sure that the tooling around the lock works out correctly. The base will be fitted with new Baize to protect furniture |
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Thursday 5th March
A small amount of polishing today, tidying up where parts have been glued.
A small amount of polishing today, tidying up where parts have been glued.
Now it've turned my mind to the letter rack.
Brass headed tacks and green ribbon
Brass headed tacks and green ribbon
The final push - Saturday 5th April.
The leather arrived after some negotiation regarding the best way to work around the top lock intrusion.
Surface holes filled and prepared for PVA glue.
Tricky fitting and cutting, but a great result.
Final fitting of a tab to lift the lower flap and a new piece of baize cut and glued to the base.
The leather arrived after some negotiation regarding the best way to work around the top lock intrusion.
Surface holes filled and prepared for PVA glue.
Tricky fitting and cutting, but a great result.
Final fitting of a tab to lift the lower flap and a new piece of baize cut and glued to the base.
Finished and ready to go home!
