Victorian Writing Slope
A fabulously detailed large Victorian writing slope belonging to a local friend in need of TLC.
Some of the brass inlay and stringing has detached.
The lid has shrunk which has caused some of the brass inlay to buckle.
All the pieces of inlay have been saved! The missing stringing will have to be new (second hand).
The leather needs replacing with new.
The lower flap latch is broken and needs replacing
One hinge has been replaced with one of an incorrect size so needs replacing again.
The lock key is missing and the escutcheon is detached, but present.
We have decided not to make this like new, so the scratches and dents will remain.
The brass will be a bit more shiny but not without blemish.
Some of the brass inlay and stringing has detached.
The lid has shrunk which has caused some of the brass inlay to buckle.
All the pieces of inlay have been saved! The missing stringing will have to be new (second hand).
The leather needs replacing with new.
The lower flap latch is broken and needs replacing
One hinge has been replaced with one of an incorrect size so needs replacing again.
The lock key is missing and the escutcheon is detached, but present.
We have decided not to make this like new, so the scratches and dents will remain.
The brass will be a bit more shiny but not without blemish.
Box as it arrived in the workshop
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and when it was finished
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Photos of some of the damage. More was found as things progressed
One the positive side, this is a large box which is structurally sound and with all its internal accompaniments intact.
After a bit of test cleaning, things are looking up, but there is a long way to go.
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Shopping list
1.5m x 0.70mm x 1.4mm brass stringing £10 Pair of brass hinges £18 Flap catch to match original £8 - ordered Replacement black leather panel 363 x 327 with gold tooling £39 - see right Small lock key Key tassel Specialist glues for brass to wood Polish |
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Repairs and restoration
I have started to repair and replace the missing parts, starting with all the loose and detached brass.
Some required cutting to allow me to iron out the buckled parts.
I've had to remove more brass inlay, but some I've managed to re-glue without removing the whole length.
The brass stringing arrived and has been fitted fitted.
I have started to repair and replace the missing parts, starting with all the loose and detached brass.
Some required cutting to allow me to iron out the buckled parts.
I've had to remove more brass inlay, but some I've managed to re-glue without removing the whole length.
The brass stringing arrived and has been fitted fitted.
Sunday 3rd July
All the brass is now stuck back where it belongs and has been cleaned up.
The external surfaces have been cleaned up with meths and steel wool and are ready for polishing.
The tatty baize on the bottom has been removed and the large crack filled with glue, filler and stained.
The key for the main lock has been filed down to fit and a tassel sewn on.
Several small pieces of damaged veneer cut and glued.
Inside crack glued and filled
Catch for the lower door repaired.
Two coats of black French polish applied.
Thursday 7th July
New baize, new pair of strap hinges and the leather, including tabs, fitted
Job complete.
All the brass is now stuck back where it belongs and has been cleaned up.
The external surfaces have been cleaned up with meths and steel wool and are ready for polishing.
The tatty baize on the bottom has been removed and the large crack filled with glue, filler and stained.
The key for the main lock has been filed down to fit and a tassel sewn on.
Several small pieces of damaged veneer cut and glued.
Inside crack glued and filled
Catch for the lower door repaired.
Two coats of black French polish applied.
Thursday 7th July
New baize, new pair of strap hinges and the leather, including tabs, fitted
Job complete.
The finished box
