Object Record
Images
Additional Images [5]
Metadata
Object ID |
1950.033A-F |
Object Name |
Desk |
Description |
Portable writing desk of birdseye maple and other woods, along with inkwells and a key. .033A) Writing desk. The writing desk is structured like a box with an openable, attached lid. The outer portion of the box's construction is birdseye maple -- a wood with distinctive, irregularly-shaped spots which occur when some sugar maple trees experience stressors while growing. This type of wood is somewhat rare. In the center of the top is an oval of another wood which has been inset into the piece. The box opens on metal hinges to a baize writing surface which slants toward the user, with the inkwells and cubbies at the top. The baize is felted and is stiffened on the back with an unknown substance. The inside of the lid has a tiny metal catch which, when pulled down, releases the baize-covered platform and reveals hollow interior spaces for papers and the like. Visible next to the metal catch is a lock escutcheon. The lower compartment lifts to reveal another interior compartment. At the front of the lower inside of the box is a section of compartments divided to hold various items, some of which may be original. Some of the dividers are loose, detached, or ill-fitting, and may have been reworked or renovated. One piece does not seem to fit anywhere so will remain in the box but will be left unnumbered. Two compartments appear to be for inkwells. A horizontal, slightly scooped tray is for holding writing implements. This scooped piece lifts and there is space below for additional items. One more section at the right might hold another inkwell. The bottom of the box has a black textured paper applied to the surface. The paper is very scratched and marred. .033B-C) Glass inkwell with metal top. The inkwell is made of heavy glass with cut-off corners to facilitate lifting from the box. The lid is silvertone metal with a pull-ring at the top. On the inside is a heavily-stained cork held in place with a metal clip. .033D) Glass inkwell with hinged lid and round, cut glass top. The inkwell is made from heavy clear glass with a rounded interior portion for the ink. Brass findings around top of inkwell and bottom of lid. Brass hinge. Remnants of ink have stained the interior, and the brass has tarnished to green and white in places. .033E) Small glass inkwell without lid. The inkwell is smaller than the other two and is round. .003F) Key. 1"-long silvertone metal key which fits into the keyhole on the lower portion of the box but does not appear to lock it properly. |
Date |
ca. 1875 |
Classification |
Household Items |