"Indirect revival of the seventeenth-century writing box but differs in construction, divides into two parts and has an elaborately fitted interior. Itmeasures 12 to 20 inches long, eight to 12 inches wide and four to eight inches high. The two parts are hinged at the back and their sides are cut on a diagonal so that the open box provides a sloping writing surface. This consists of the baize-covered, center-hinged flaps of both parts. Behind the upper flap is space for writing paper and beneath the lower one, compartments for other writing materials and frequently toilet accessories. "Beyond this is a shallow compartment fitted for ink bottle, sand shaker and pens. Sometimes the concave pen tray is removable and has a secret compartment beneath. "With a larger box, the lower section has a false bottom which provides space for a shallow fll-width drawer inserted from right side. Drawer is equipped with an inset brass handle with folding bail. "Box edges are finished with narrow rounded brass strips and at thecorners there are quarter-round brass insets. The front is fitted with an inset brass keyhole escutcheon and the top generally has a small centered brass plate, inset and designed to be engraved with the owner's initials. Sometimes these brass fittings are simulated by gilding. Madein all sections of crotch-grain mahogany veneer on pine or sometimes of rosewood or black walnut veneer. Ca.1800-1840."
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