Highly sophisticated and very rare, this lap desk is almost identical to the one Robert E. Lee used during his tenure at Washington College after the Civil War. Made by Toumlin and Gale of London, the beautiful case features superior engraved doré bronze hinges and banding around every edge, and is covered in rich dark green velvet. The black leather compartments and fold-out desk are equipped with inkwells, a scale, erasable ceramic memos for days of the week, embossed stationary and other various tools used for correspondence and book keeping. Boasting excellent craftmanship and provenance, this desk is a wonderful piece of history and design. General Lee's personal case is on display in the Virginia Historical Society.

Circa