PAINTED LAP DESK

The portable desk can be seen as an ancestor of the portable computer or laptop. All desks were portable to some extent. Noble classes had to move frequently with the court, middle classes had " Great Room " houses which required portable furniture. Also people could not read or write - making scribes necessary for personal and business matters. The lap desk appeared sometime in the 17th century and became a necessary accessory for traveling gentlemen. Most portable desks disappeared during the 19th century with the introduction of mass literacy, the invention of clean writing surfaces, the fountain pen and pencil.


Offering a New England painted lap desk, circa 19th century.

This chest offers curved "sleigh" skirt and feet, mortised chest locks, strike plate with brass keyhole, original spear point strap iron hinges, interior document box . It has opposing iron handles with the top having bread board sides. 

The measurements are 16"W, 15.75"D, 5"T. The desk shows minor honest wear and is in excellent condition.









NEW ENGLAND PAINTED LAP DESK  19TH C ORIGINAL RED SURFACE

5"H  16"W  15 3/4 "D

# MCB-18199

$225.00