Pocket Escritoir (Miniature Writing Desk)
Categories | Travel |
Material | Metal, Nickel, Papier Mache/Paper/Composition/Cork |
Markings | See Narrative |
Manufacturer | John Sheldon |
Origin | England |
Date or Era | circa 1843 |
Measuring | Box measures 3 ¼” by ¾” |
John Sheldon was the inventor and maker of this Escritoir (portable writing kit). Sheldon grew his business steadily from toy making to writing boxes, pens and other silverware.
Sheldon is most known for portable compendiums with multiple tools. This “bijou version” has the original gilt leather sleeve encasing a box with a black japanned finish and gilt label on the lid advertising “John Sheldon Patent Escritoir” along with the Royal Patent crest. Inside are the original labels for ‘John Sheldon’s Patent Pocket Escritoir, registered Nov 16, 1843’. It has the original double ended seal and tape measure, the original letter & sovereign coin balance, an original pen “John Sheldon” pen nib, and the original paperwork. When the lid of the box is lifted, the two boxes can be brought forward. The left one is an inkwell with a glass bottle inside and a stopper under the lid. The other is for string, wax, or vestas. It has a candle socket and candle which folds down for use.
Behind the front sections are smaller sections for storing stamps, and includes a weight to keep the stamps down, and storage space for wafers and quills etc. Sitting above the back section is the Sheldon letter and coin balance. When you pull the two sections apart it reveals postal scales inside. The scales have a clip that is housed inside the scales and flips out when the inner scale is pulled down. When one clips a letter, it pulls down and gives you a reading. Instead of weight in ounces against Pence(d), this measures Grams against Grains. This version of the scale balance was made for the French and Belgium market. Sheldon also made for the Indian, German and American markets. Included is a pocket tape measure dated November 16, 1843. Tucked behind the clip under the lid are the instructions including an Almanack for 1844 with Bills of Exchange, rates of postage, coin weights and moon phases, and blotting cards.
Sold for $900 in July 2024
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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