Charles Dickens's traveling writing desk, measuring 13.75? x 9.5? x 3.5? closed, featuring a fruitwood exterior with carved mother-of-pearl inlay (marked with the monogram "CD") and silver banding, with two top flaps opening to reveal an angled leather-covered writing slope with wood-lined compartment beneath and a fitted mahogany interior tray for writing equipment, including two glass ink bottles, a letter opener, and a cased silver porte-crayon fitted with a quill nib. Inside is a handsome silver plaque, engraved: "Venerables Writing Box and Pen Holder, Presented to Evelyn by Your Mama, on the occasion of being appointed Schoolmistress."
Notably, 'Venerables' was the family's pet-name for the novelist, as is recalled in the Strand Magazine article entitled 'A Child's Memories of Gad's Hill' by his granddaughter, Mary Angela Dickens, a copy of which is included. Also includes an ink signature, "5 Hyde Park Place W, Tuesday, First March 1870, Faithfully yours, Charles Dickens," on a slip of Gad's Hill Place stationery, clipped in two and joined at the center. In very good to fine condition, with loose screws securing the upper flap (one missing), some cracking to the veneer on the top, and general wear from age and use. Accompanied by a small plaque portrait of Charles Dickens, displayed in a period 7 x 7 wooden frame.
