Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Portable Writing Desk
1840 - 1860

Portable writing desk, hinged center, writing surface covered in purple silk, several compartments, one holds a glass inkwell.

Mr. Lincoln traveled a multi-county circuit with other lawyers and judges twice a year to handle legal cases in areas where there were no regular courts. He took this lapdesk with him in a saddlebag to write letters, legal briefs or political speeches. He later sold the desk to his second law partner.

Mahogany, silk, glass, metal. H 8, L 42.16, W 35.4 cm (open)
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 308



Portable Writing Desk 1840 - 1860 Portable writing desk, hinged center, writing surface covered in purple silk, several compartments, one holds a glass inkwell. Mr. Lincoln traveled a multi-county circuit with other lawyers and judges twice a year to handle legal cases in areas where there were no regular courts. He took this lapdesk with him in a saddlebag to write letters, legal briefs or political speeches. He later sold the desk to his second law partner. Mahogany, silk, glass, metal. H 8, L 42.16, W 35.4 cm (open) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 308
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