Portable desk

Object/Artifact

-

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Portable desk

Entry/Object ID

MP.2004.31

Description

Mahogany rectangular-shaped three-fold portable desk: brass pieces nailed along outside edges; narrow square brass trim inlaid on top; inlaid scrolled brass top plate and escutcheon on front; inset u-shaped brass handle on each side; top folds up and mid-section folds out; inside top lid are brown leather compartments; four square compartments on each side; large pocket with brass button opening in center; leather edges trimmed with decorative gilt pattern; on inside bottom piece are five openings along top edge; two end openings hold square glass bottle with round silverplated lid; one bottle and lid (b-c) held ink and the other bottle and lid (d-e) is a pounce pot with a perforated top; in center left is small square compartment with wooden lid and round knob, a large rectangular-shaped compartment with wooden lid and round knob, and another small square compartment with no lid and slanted bottom; black felt lining on writing surfaces; wood trim along edges; brass hinges and nails; when completely folded out on each side of writing surface is remnants of a small piece of green satin ribbon used for pulling open the lids to compartments underneath; also has a brass tear-shaped sliding openings to lock lids to compartments; round brass pin along top right side can be removed to open small secret drawer on right side; f- small brass skeleton key.

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Unknown

Attribution

Maker

Date made

1800 - 1830

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Open

Height

16-3/4 in

Width

19-7/8 in

Depth

21 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 16 3/4 x 19 7/8 x 21 in. (42.5 x 50.5 x 53.3 cm)

Dimension Description

Closed

Height

7-1/16 in

Width

19-7/8 in

Depth

10-15/16 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 7 1/16 x 19 7/8 x 10 15/16 in. (17.9 x 50.5 x 27.8 cm)

Material

Mahogany, brass, Glass, silverplate, Felt

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Overall the desk is in stable condition. On inside the green satin ribbon pull-tabs are mostly missing from each side of felt top desk openings. e- lid to pounce pot, has green corrosion on inside. Has 1/8" round gouge on front lower right. Lid to center wooden compartment is worn around knob and scratched throughout. Leather pocket has light scratches throughout and below button fastening from use. Numerous narrow scratches on top below brass plate; wide scratches on top left where inlaid brass trim is loose; several scratches on front upper side. On inside when completely folded out are black spots along edge of right side. On top of desk primarily in back area and right and left sides are water-like stains. Fabric on bottom of desk is town, loose and missing areas. Inlaid brass trim is sticking up on each corner and in mid-section on right side where trim has broken off and half piece is missing. Inlaid brass trim is very loose and may come out on upper left side.

General Notes

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Montgomery Place, Library, Second Floor

Note Type

Department

Note

Curatorial