Civil War Era Burled Walnut/Mahogany Lap Desk & Lectern
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- $150.00
- Sale Price
- $150.00
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Item: Lap Desk/Writing Slope with Drawer & Lectern
Make: English Origin
Age: Circa 1850-70
Construction: Burled Walnut & Mahogany
Dimensions: 14” Wide x 9 1/4” Deep x 5 1/2” Tall
Condition: Overall very good antique condition. A few very small pieces of veneer are missing on the front left side corner. The lock appears to be in working condition and includes the key, however we have not fully engaged the lock with the lid closed to avoid any risk of it jamming or failing to reopen. One of the brass levers that hold the felt desktop down is missing, but it still stays in position with just one. The felt is in rough shape, but could easily be replaced. Drawer opens and closes nicely and and the original locking pin is still present. Please see photos.
Details: This high quality writing slope desk was designed to double as a reading lectern or book rest featuring a removable book ledge that stores securely inside the desk when not in use. When the box lid is raised, it can lock into angles at three positions using a notched interior stay. This bar slips into small brass holes along the top edge near the hinges, acting as anchor points to keep a heavy book from sliding off the slope.
The internal brass locking pin mechanism used to secure the side drawer is highly characteristic of English design. Renowned English box makers like Bramah, Chubb, and Tompson took great pride in these complex security mechanisms, engineering their lap desks like miniature portable safes.