Writing Slope Dilema

[my63]

I saved these two writing slopes from being broken up for parts.

Now what should I do with them

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7419511826_9d49a180a5.jpg

box2 by my0771, on Flickr

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7419511904_c6215755db.jpg

box1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As you can see the veneer on one is completley shot

The larger of the two boxes will need all of the veneer replacing the smaller one may be repairable.

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/7419517322_c9abafd433_z.jpg

IMG_1367 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The insides are completley missing on both boxes.

My origional idea was to restore them as close to origional as possible which may be more difficult than I thought.

The other option is to create a new interior in contrasting wood for pen storage whilst retaining the origional shell.

thoughts please

Michael

[Shangas]

To be restored to their ORIGINAL function, these would require a complete rebuild...It's quite an ambitious task...

 

The issue WITH writing-boxes is that, because they're cut on the diagonal, for that VERY specific purpose of creating the slope, there's not much else you can practically use them for, in my opinion. They were designed for ONE purpose, and one purpose only. And if not used for that purpose, there's not much else they're good for...

[fuchsiaprincess]

Storage boxes for your inks perhaps?

[Marlow]

Question is, do you have carpenty skills or access to someone who does?

 

If you or someone close to you does I am sure you could achieve a basic sympathetic restoration of the two hinged writing surfaces only. The box with the very poor veneer could be fully stripped, sanded and waxed and the one with the intact veneer touched up and french polished - assuming you fancy the idea of selling them?

 

They're rather nice as boxes and a good carpenter would be able to do something with them I'm pretty sure... ?!

[Shangas]

At the same time, one wonders what monster did this to these poor boxes, and what was the motivation behind it??? It sickens me when I see things like this...

[my63]

Thank you for your replys

I am not the most skilled carpenter in the world following an accident in 2004 I have limited use of my right arm.

But I can do lots of things if I take my time.

There is about 45 mm of depth in the bottom of both boxes I think I could make a tray out of some black walnut I have laying around.

I think I could make some sort of rack in the lids for small ink bottles thanks Fuchsiaprincess.

Shangas I dont know how they came to be in this condition it makes me sad that something has lasted over 100 years and then someone tears it apart.

The veneer will have to come off the large box so I have ordered some American black walnut to replace it.

I will keep you updated.

Regards

Michael

[Flake]

might be worth experimenting with repair. I see more writing boxes in terrible shape than not lately. It'd be nice to be able to buy a cheap one and make it looks great again.

[Marlow]

Thank you for your replys

I am not the most skilled carpenter in the world following an accident in 2004 I have limited use of my right arm.

But I can do lots of things if I take my time.

There is about 45 mm of depth in the bottom of both boxes I think I could make a tray out of some black walnut I have laying around.

I think I could make some sort of rack in the lids for small ink bottles thanks Fuchsiaprincess.

Shangas I dont know how they came to be in this condition it makes me sad that something has lasted over 100 years and then someone tears it apart.

The veneer will have to come off the large box so I have ordered some American black walnut to replace it.

I will keep you updated.

Regards

Michael

 

Sounds like you are going to take it on! Good for you! There will be plenty of interest on the forum as to your progress!

[farseer911]

Get a Dremel a stand holder and some good 5mm ply and get to work. You should be able to fabricate the wooden pieces you require after making them in cardboard first, then cutting the real thing in plywood. apply a nice stain and light finish and you bring them back to functioning on the cheap.

[dgturner]

I would normally say that a restoration might be in order, but...

 

 

If not too late (and something you are interested in doing, e.g. to sell later), see about getting them appraised as is, and if restored to "like new". I bring this up because of several instances where I have seen restored items be appraised at a significantly lower value due to having been restored. I know it is counter-intuitive, but I have seen this on "American Pickers", "Antique Road Show", and a show whose name I cannot remember from the BBC.

 

If the restoration would be for sale to someone here that would use it as intended, then proceed post haste.

 

BTW Thank you for saving them from the trash heap, items like this need to be saved when possible.

[dgturner]

Just a thought, perhaps we (as a community) might be able to provide donations to help fund the restoration? Summers are tight for me, but I would definitely provide some funds (and more in the Fall if the project goes that long).

 

Any thoughts?

[BamaPen]

First, a disclaimer: I have absolutely no financial interest in the following site:

 

You may find the information and materials available on "The Writing Slope" site very useful as you restore these battered warriors. Here's a link: http://www.writing-slope.com/index.html

 

John

[my63]

Dgturner thanks for your thoughts this purchase was not motivated by profit I have been buying and restoring fountain pens for some time and needed some where to keep them the deal was to buy both so I did.

I don't think there is any value left in these boxes everything has been stripped and what's left hinges etc are broken.

John (Bamapen) I have been looking at cigar boxes for some time with the trays inside. Like the blog btw.

I think I am leaning towards one or two trays in the lower section for pens and something in the upper section for ink or letters maybe even a rack of some description for more pens.

Unless anyone can come up with something better particularly for the top section.

Regards

Michael

[BamaPen]

Dgturner thanks for your thoughts this purchase was not motivated by profit I have been buying and restoring fountain pens for some time and needed some where to keep them the deal was to buy both so I did.

I don't think there is any value left in these boxes everything has been stripped and what's left hinges etc are broken.

John (Bamapen) I have been looking at cigar boxes for some time with the trays inside. Like the blog btw.

I think I am leaning towards one or two trays in the lower section for pens and something in the upper section for ink or letters maybe even a rack of some description for more pens.

Unless anyone can come up with something better particularly for the top section.

Regards

Michael

Michael,

I'd set it up with ink bottles in the bottom and build trays to sit above the bottles for pens. Take a look at the Ashton Wizard at this link in my blog: http://cigarboxpenstorage.wordpress.com/category/pen-ink-storage-boxes-for-sale/ It has a partial pen tray above ink storage. I've done full trays above ink as well, and you could do that with the slope. You might consider building up a support on the "lower" side of the bottom to hold a pen tray level and the upper part of the box would hinge right over it. If that description doesn't make sense, email me and I'll try to draw a sketch.

John

[my63]

Dgturner thanks for your thoughts this purchase was not motivated by profit I have been buying and restoring fountain pens for some time and needed some where to keep them the deal was to buy both so I did.

I don't think there is any value left in these boxes everything has been stripped and what's left hinges etc are broken.

John (Bamapen) I have been looking at cigar boxes for some time with the trays inside. Like the blog btw.

I think I am leaning towards one or two trays in the lower section for pens and something in the upper section for ink or letters maybe even a rack of some description for more pens.

Unless anyone can come up with something better particularly for the top section.

Regards

Michael

Michael,

I'd set it up with ink bottles in the bottom and build trays to sit above the bottles for pens. Take a look at the Ashton Wizard at this link in my blog: http://cigarboxpenstorage.wordpress.com/category/pen-ink-storage-boxes-for-sale/ It has a partial pen tray above ink storage. I've done full trays above ink as well, and you could do that with the slope. You might consider building up a support on the "lower" side of the bottom to hold a pen tray level and the upper part of the box would hinge right over it. If that description doesn't make sense, email me and I'll try to draw a sketch.

John

[my63]

Sorry I don't know what happened to my text in that reply

John I have just been reading about that very box on your blog I only have 45mm to play with if I want to put a slope on the top.

Do you make your own trays or buy them ready made.

Regards Michael

[my63]

I have started work on the first box this box has the most damage

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7433970820_286de5cd87_z.jpg

IMG_1384 by my0771, on Flickr

This is the base what ever was used to cover it is well worn

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/7433986846_f4cef25d63_z.jpg

IMG_1390 by my0771, on Flickr

Fairly easy to remove cracks in the base will be repaired later in the process.

 

Those of a nervous disposition should not view the next pictures the veneer has been removed I did this carefully in the hope I may be able to reuse some of it on future small repairs.

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5151/7433924062_1e182b2757_z.jpg

IMG_1402 by my0771, on Flickr

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5151/7433924062_1e182b2757_z.jpg

IMG_1402 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Now I need to remove the remains of the hide glue

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Marlow]

Still looks like a quality box even in that condition! I have a feeling you are going to be very happy with the end result and that we are all going to be very impressed!

Edited June 24, 2012 by Marlow

[my63]

Veneer arrived today book on veneering has not.

I have cut out and replaced damaged wood around two hinge sites two more to do.

Splits in th base have also been repaired.

Michael

Edited June 26, 2012 by my63

[my63]

I think I am about halfway through this project.

I have repaired the hinge points with some small pieces of oak.

There are two pieces of brass missing one from here

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7459619770_a1e9f17b8b_z.jpg

IMG_1418 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The other missing piece of brass is the escutchen from the lock oh and the lock is also missing.

Whilst on the issue of brass should it be polished as new or left as it is.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7459621830_0be55b34b3_z.jpg

IMG_1420 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The iside of the box is veneered although it is stained with ink I think I will just wax it and leave it alone.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7459606298_9c4ea62af4_z.jpg

IMG_1414 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I would really appreciate any information or advice that anyone would care to share in particular on veneering as I have never done that before.

Thanks for looking

Michael