Antique 1893 Victorian Hand-Painted Floral Writing Portfolio Desk Blotter – Pansies

Antique Victorian Hand-Painted Floral Writing Portfolio / Desk Blotter – Dated 1893

A charming late 19th-century writing portfolio or desk blotter featuring a hand-painted arrangement of colorful pansies on a textured fabric-covered surface.

The interior retains its original-style folding writing compartments and ribbon fittings and, most importantly, an old handwritten presentation note reading:

“From ‘Aunt Jo’
To ‘Birdie’ on her sixteenth birthday.
Indian Springs, July 16, 1893.”

This surviving inscription provides a wonderful personal connection to the Victorian period and dates the portfolio to at least 1893.

The front is decorated with individually painted purple, blue, white, yellow and burgundy pansies surrounded by delicate foliage and expressive decorative brushwork. Dark trim frames both the central panel and outer edges.

Inside is also an old label for the Old England Hotel and The Belsfield Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, England, apparently added during the portfolio's later history.

An evocative survivor from the Victorian era combining decorative art, personal history and the culture of handwritten correspondence.

Ideal for collectors of Victorian writing accessories, antique stationery, floral decorative arts, women's history and 19th-century personal objects.

Condition

Antique condition with substantial age-related wear consistent with a piece dating from the late 19th century.

The fabric-covered surfaces show widespread spotting, staining, discoloration, foxing, ink/paint marks, rubbing and general wear. Edges and corners show losses and fraying. Interior surfaces and ribbon fittings also show age and use.

The hand-painted floral decoration remains attractive and retains good color. The handwritten 1893 presentation note remains attached inside and is legible. An old hotel label is also attached to the interior.

The piece has not been cleaned or restored and is offered with its age-related surfaces and historical additions intact.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.