19th century, mahogany veneers, elliptical cartouche to lid with period monogram "Capt.n Lewis Watson," elliptical brass escutcheon, brass flush handles to sides, left handle with pin locking slide drawer, top opens to a green leather interior writing service with divided compartments, which include antique calipers and unmarked silverplate lidded glass inkwell, the writing service lifts to provide document storage area, removable panel to the front interior hides four small storage drawers, mounted on a mahogany stand, includes key.

22 1/4 x 21 3/4 x 10 7/8 in. (with stand); 7 x 21 3/4 x 10 7/8 in. (slope only)

Private Collection, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Later leather surface, some wear to veneers; some replaced panels to interior, large shrinkage crack to lid and underneath writing service; some verdigris to brass mounts; retains receipt for repairs completed 1989 in London.