{"product_id":"antique-19th-century-triple-fold-traveling-writing-desk-with-fitted-compartments","title":"Antique 19th-Century Triple-Fold Traveling Writing Desk with Fitted Compartments","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary antique traveling writing desk from my personal collection, designed to fold into a remarkably compact wooden case and then open in stages to reveal an ingenious series of fitted compartments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClosed, the desk presents as an understated wooden box with dark metal strap hardware and brass-tone rivet details. Unfasten it, however, and the construction becomes the story. The desk unfolds into \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethree distinct sections\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, revealing multiple divided compartments, a larger central storage area, and an interior drawer. Fully extended, it measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe warm-toned hardwood is believed to be walnut and retains the beautiful grain, variation, and surface character expected of a genuinely old piece. Darkened metal hardware, small hinges, fitted wooden dividers, and the unusual multi-fold construction give it tremendous presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally designed to make writing and personal storage portable, pieces like this translate beautifully into today's interiors. It could hold letters, stationery, fountain pens, wax seals, calling cards, photographs, or other small collected objects—or simply be displayed open to show off its wonderful construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntique portable traveling writing desk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBelieved to date to the 19th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarm-toned hardwood, believed to be walnut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnusual triple-fold construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpens into three separate sections\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMultiple fitted interior storage compartments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterior drawer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDarkened metal strap and hinge hardware with brass-tone rivet details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eApproximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9\" × 10 1\/2\" × 3 1\/2\" H when closed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eApproximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25\" long when fully extended\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLocking\/latch mechanism is present; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno key is included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom my personal collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyling \u0026amp; Display\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the sort of piece that deserves to be left partially open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace it on an antique desk or library table with old correspondence, a brass inkwell, fountain pens, sealing wax, or a stack of nineteenth-century books. It would also make an exceptional organizer for a collector of small objects—the interior architecture is almost as beautiful as the exterior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClosed, it has the wonderfully restrained appearance of an old traveling box. Open, it becomes an entire little world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antique condition with substantial age-related character throughout. The wood exhibits scratches, marks, small nicks, finish variation, discoloration, and general surface wear consistent with age and use. The metal hardware shows patina, oxidation, finish loss, and wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior also exhibits age-related wear and evidence of previous use. The desk opens and unfolds as shown, and its fitted compartments and interior drawer remain present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe locking\/latch hardware remains with the desk, but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethere is no key or lock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. No attempt has been made to restore or refinish the piece; its aged surface has been retained.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45906671468679,"sku":null,"price":328.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/A2B209E6-FE19-4381-B2BF-51916919C0BB.jpg?v=1790607108","url":"https:\/\/shopofold.com\/products\/antique-19th-century-triple-fold-traveling-writing-desk-with-fitted-compartments","provider":"Shop of Old","version":"1.0","type":"link"}