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• Jefferson's Lap Desk•
15" W x 3 1/2" T x 9 3/8" D
  48 Hours

Everything on this historical desk are in tiny proportion. The narrow drawer has five miniature dovetails cut into it, fitted with walnut dividers to allow safe transport of an inkwell, quil pens and writing paper.
In its second arrangement the desk acts as a prop to hold up a book or papers. The notched stand in the back allows the angle to be altered for easy reading on that long carriage ride to the white house.
From the reading position the top panel falls forward to reveal a woolen lined pad for proper cushioned quil writing.

 

The Jefferson's Lap Desk is made of American Black Walnut, Rock Maple stringing, grey baize and brass.  I later made a second from South American Mahogany, Boxwood stringing, and green baize. It is a close copy of Thomas Jefferson's original portable desk he used to draft the declaration of independence, the original laptop. The desks are finished with shellac and paste wax.

Photographs of the lap desk in the making...


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A closeup of the tiny dovetails on the drawer, as well as the interior dividers.

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When the drawer is removed a keen eye will find my signature carved into the back of the case interior.


 

 

PETE E. MICHELINIE, FURNITURE MAKER
PETE@MICHELINIE.COM 802.245.4765