Description

Complete exactly as found is this wonderful northern attic estate find dating to about the 1860s. Classic folding box with slanted velvet writing surface popular from before and throughout the war. The box folder measure 12″ x 8″ x 4″. Both sides of the slanted surface flip up with the velvet cover acting as the hinge. The velvet surface has honest wear from consistent use but the hinges are intact not ripped through, which is not usually the case.  The spaces under the writing surface were used to store papers and other supplies for writing. Extremely rare to find, the original cut glass inkwell is present with ink residue as if it was closed and put away – creating a time capsule of the last time it was used. The pen niche is complete with it’s tray cover and a pen with nib and a patriotic red white and blue ribbon with rosette is also inside. The pen nib has rust on it – again like it was put away and never touched again. The hand sewn ribbon and rosette have good age but is unfaded, having been shut up in the niche and in the closed box for 150+ years. As well as being a patriotic lapel decoration for other historical occasions the possibility exists it is also from the election of either 1860 or 1864. (I am not an expert on such political artifacts) These “lapdesks” were used in the field by soldiers and travelers alike, converting their lap into a desk, but also used on tabletops in any setting from homes to HQs to convert any surface to a workable desk. Many of these found in the antique marketplace are European in origin, mostly English. This a fantastic, definitively American, very displayable artifact in remarkably complete historical condition. Amazing character and wonderful age and honest use patina. (seen all day long for $200 and up) I really was taken aback when I found this gem – I am excited for you to add it to your collection or historical display.