Description

Also referred to as a “lap secretary cabinet” this is a portable wooden writing box, inlaid with mother of pearl and decorative wood accents at the center of the top and at the lock. The top of the box is lined with cotton and purple silk and there are interior compartments meant to hold ink bottles and pens. There is a second compartment that opens to provide stationary as well as a writing surface, both in purple velvet. This box was brought to the U.S. from England around 1870 and was brought to the museum by the daughters of Mrs. D. A. Pellat.