Lap Desk
Manufacturer
Unknown
CultureAmerican
MediumWalnut
DimensionsOverall: 12 x 8 3/4 x 4 3/4 in. (30.5 x 22.2 x 12.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Miss Marguerite Biaz
Object number60.60.1
Not on view
DescriptionLap desk with the top inlaid with various woods, cross banded edge and fluted oval in center in cercassian walnut ground. Three ink bottles, a ruler, three sheets of child's stationary, a letter to nephew from E. Titus, Jr. 1899, a pen nib, staff, and quill pen are in the box. Portion of the veneer is lacking on the right side of the lid at back and the box is scarred. No key for lock. Upper writing surface does not lock well and the writing surfaces are loose. This desk was offered as one having belonged to Thomas Jefferson and sold in the Herst sale, but the one in the sale was bigger and mahogany.ProvenanceGift of Miss Marguerite Biaz of New York, NY, to the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, 1960; transferred to the Chrysler Museum, 1971. Exhibition HistoryWilloughby-Baylor House Lent to the Governor John Branch Society of C.A.R. for a patriotic display in Ames and Brownley's North Window, October 19 - November 2, 1960.
ca. 1790
No Date
19th century
