Two 19th-Century English Inlaid Lapdesks

The first in carved rosewood, bombe-shaped form, the hinged lid featuring ornate mixed wood and mother of pearl inlays with silver escutcheon and stringing monogrammed JMS, with faux grained interior and aubergine upholstered writing service with lift up storage, alongside pen and ink compartments (5 x 13 1/2 x 9 1/4 in.); the second in walnut with inlaid brass escutcheon and plaque without monogram, interior divided with pen and ink storage, black and gilt leather writing service lifting to further storage (6 x 14 x 9 in.). Both unmarked.

From the Estate of the late Susan C. Frankenberg, Hillsborough, North Carolina

Some small cracks and scratches to both; rosewood form with areas of inlay loss; writing services with surface wear and tears; upper interior writing service panel of walnut box is loose, and base panel with lengthwise crack (appears stable).