Herman Melville’s Travel Desk

MELVILLE'S TRAVEL DESK.
Victorian brass-mounted mahogany traveling lap desk, third quarter of the 19th century. The rectangular top opening to a hinged brown velvet-lined writing surface before fitted compartments and a pen well, the lid interior with a red leather folio with brass securing clips, the writing surface lifting to reveal a storage well and removable guard concealing three secret drawers; the sides with brass bale handles. Height 5in (13cm); length 17in (43cm); depth 10 1/2in (26.5 cm).
Enclosed in the desk are a gilt-metal-mounted agate snuff box, two small pen knives, one inscribed "E M Marett," a molded glass inkwell with associated cap, a pair of tweezers, a glass intaglio seal engraved "EMM," and a gilt-metal and mother-of-pearl pen.
The lid interior mounted with caricature prints, and two period small yellow sheets inscribed "Our Box at the Post Office is 1162" and "Herman Melville / 104 East 26th St / New York" respectively.

Link - Via Uncertain Times