Anglo-indian writing desk

Period: ca. 19th century. This wonderful piece of furniture looks like a small cabinet but is actually a bill-sweet which is a foldable lady/secretary desk. They were very popular in the 19th century when women liked to write letters and these small desks could be easily moved next to their seats. This sweet note is most likely english (the brass lock has an english inscription) from the victorian era judging by its eclectic style. It is made of a stained oak and a lighter wood, possibly padouk. The surfaces are highly polished. The top has a gallery with spinning tops. The background is decorated with arches. The uprights are adorned with simple leaf-shaped engravings that have an indian touch to them, while the front, side and back panels have naturalistic carvings of ivy leaves. The interior reveals a black leather writing surface, four engraved arch boxes with an indian style, and space for drawers of which there is only one present. The lock and key work. Status: good. Robust. The leather writing surface is worn with age. An inner drawer is missing. The drawer button is damaged (see photo). One end of an inner arch is damaged (see photo). Dimensions: 102.5 cm high, 53 cm wide, 20.5 cm deep, 31 cm deep feet, ± 10 kg.