Ebony Victorian 1870 Traveling Lap Desk, Secret Compartments

This 1870's traveling lap desk with a spring loaded secret compartment is an enchanting Victorian version of a lap top computer.

The exotic "Macassar Ebony" wood from Africa has stunning grain. This box is inlaid with brass, including a presentation plaque that was never engraved. The finish is remarkably well preserved, there are shrinkage separations from age, see photos.

All original, the antique box opens to a slanted writing desk with gold tooled leather, underneath are stationary compartments. There are little pockets for inkwells, pens and points. Original brass mounts include a working lock.

A good place for illicit letters or smuggling pharmaceuticals, the secret compartment includes two tiny drawers, accessed by raising a divider next to the pen point compartment.

Made in England, measurements are 14" wide, 9" deep and over 6" tall when closed, open size is 14" wide, 19" deep and 4 1/2" tall.

This lap desk could be shipped USPS within 48 states including insurance for $35.

Item # M-D2315 WEBO