English, ca. 1840s, solid burl wood with brass inlays, mounted brass side pulls with (1) for hidden drawer, hinged lid with center inset cartouche labeled "H. Sturgis," opens to reveal interior with rosewood, purple velvet writing surface with ebony veneer surround, interior compartments, including (1) lidded, and pen tray.

7 1/2 x 20 3/4 in.

Collection of a Gentleman, Yadkinville, North Carolina

Unusual use of solid burl wood.

Beautiful exterior with light scratches and dents, small areas of natural shrinkage to wood, cracking and a glue repair at hinges; interior with minor verdigris and rubbing to brass, split and small loss to brass mount at center and with associated small repairs, separation of brass from lid due to missing nails, staining and light mildew to wood, writing surface separated in two as is typical and with wear to velvet, small chip to pen tray; lacks key; hidden drawer with mildew spotting, opens well with interior pin.