• Portable Desk
Portable Desk
Portable Desk

Portable Desk

Desk, portable


1790 – 1830 (Date manufactured/created)
Portable desk from the early Federal period. Wooden roll top writing desk with a bail pull on either side (for carrying) and one in front for the front drawer. Originally when the drawer was opened, the top rolled back. The roll top opens to reveal a writing implement storage area (over) area which has  three glass bottles (two of them blown) with brass lids and a shallow area for pens. The slanted lid can be opened forward to reveal a green wool felt writing surface. It is surrounded by a narrow veneered wooden border. Under the upper portion of the writing surface is a paper storage area. Suspended underneath the implement area are two drawers of equal size. These rectangular narrow drawers have round ivory or bone knobs. The drawer, which has a lock, contains two quill pens.
Gift of C. K. Davis
1974.107