Description:

89TH NEW YORK SOLDIER'S LAP DESK
A very interesting, well-attributed Civil War relic, a portable lap desk, 19.5 x 36 in., constructed of 23 wooden slats affixed to a cloth backing, allowing it to be rolled for transport. Two additional slats attached to the underside with rivets at the top corners swing into place and are held by brass clips to make a rigid writing surface, and a semi-circular cutout allows it to be held close to the body. Most interestingly, the top slat is stamped with the name of its owner: 'Azor M. Curtis Co - B 89 Reg. N. Y. S. Vol. Binghamton, N. Y. 1861'. The muster roll of the 89th N.Y. Volunteers shows that Azor M. Curtis enlisted at Franklinville on Aug. 21, 1861, and was discharged due to disability on April 10, 1863. The desk is well-worn with heavy scratches and some detachment of the cloth backing, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000