Beschreibung:

A finely crafted mid-19th century portable desk, complete with ink jars, pen parts, a day book, and assorted ephemera. The desk measures 20" x 10" x 8.25" high when closed, and is fitted with inlaid brass hardware and accents including a nameplate(which is blank) and a lock(which is missing the key but unlocked). The desk opens to form a 20" x 20" desk, with the writing surface inclined at a 30 degree angle. The surface on both sides of the hinge can be lifted to reveal more storage space, as well as as four small lids(two of which contain empty ink jars) and the pen tray, (which contains various pen parts). A drawer can be pulled out of the exterior of the high half, but is only accessible after removing a brass rod inside the desk. This drawer contains a day book, 7.5" x 12.5", with a leather spine and corners and marbleized paper wraps. The first entry is dated Wilmington, February 23, 1846 and reads finished Geo. Simpson's stairs cast/Contracted with J.F. Libby to put the rail on G. Craig's stairs at $1.50 per day. Similar entries continue until Dec. 14, 1847, listing the charge for jobs such as Back door for Joseph Hamilton, 2 days at fence for P Jones, and R.B. McDonald's Ice Cream sign, lists of supplies purchased, and milestones like finished Goodman's House. Also in the drawer are a bank receipt, the business card of WIlliam P. Young, Wholesale Grocer showing a Milwaukee address, and an invitation to ...a meeting of the Franklin Lyceum...for the purpose of attending the funeral of our late fellow member HENRY HOLLINGSWORTH, dated Wilmington, Sept 9, 1840. From these last two pieces we learn the name of the presumed owner of the desk, Jonathan Milner. Condition: A few minor cracks have developed, mostly along the bottom edges, and the interior hardware needs tinkering, but overall a well-built unit in very good condition. Key is missing, but desk is unlocked.