Desk, Portable
- Object Name:
- Desk, Portable
- Object ID:
- 1933.001.97
- Date:
- 1850-1860
- Description:
- Lap Desk. Rectangular box that opens on a slant, forming an angled writing surface. Mahogany with rosewood veneer. Small rectangular mother-of-pearl inset in top of box. Green burlap on underside of box. Writing surface is covered with purple velvet with embossed designs on edges (poor condition). In addition to the writing surface, there are three interior compartments, one with a lid and small wooden handle, as well as storage space underneath both sides of the writing surface. Several items are in the box: key inside the lidded compartment; numerous fabric scraps (mid-19th-century prints); two coin purses (one inscribed on silver rim, "S. A. Bradley / Portland, Maine"; truncated butter knife marked "N. HARDING & CO" (makers of coin silver, Boston, 1850-60); and small piece of tissue paper.
- Material:
- Wood
Mahogany
Textile
Mother-of-Pearl
Paper
Skeletal - Dimensions:
- H-4.5 W-13.75 D-8.75 inches
- Provenance:
- Gift of Margaret H. Jewell. No history given with this piece, but contents of box includes a purse engraved with donor's mother's maiden name, Susan A. Bradley (1833-1908), as well as "Portland, Maine" (the family summered in Maine), suggesting this piece was used in the family of the donor.
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Margaret H. Jewell
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