Description:

CIVIL WAR OFFICER'S PORTABLE WRITING DESK
Captain David H. Ayers (1839-1882) Union soldier who was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company I, 27th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in on September 4, 1862. He served through the December 1862 Fredericksburg Campaign and his regiment was on occupation duty in Kentucky , he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in April 20, 1863. He served through his enlistment until July 2, 1863. Nearly a year later he was commissioned Captain of Company I, 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, replacing Captain Thomas Kelly, who was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg the year before. He was later moved to command the 5th's Company A. When the 5th New Jersey expired in September 1864 and merged with the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry's Company E, he was transferred and replaced Captain Daniel Hart. Ayers served until he mustered out of Federal service on July 17, 1865. Copies of Ayer's enrollment records, requests for leave, and mustering out are included with this fine item, his portable writing case or escritoire from the early part of his military career, bearing a brass seal on the lid that reads: "Capt. D. H. Ayres, Co. I 5th N. J. V. 1863". This handsome oak case measures 13 3/4" wide x 9 1/4" tall x 4" deep, and features a blue velvet lines surface within for writing, and two hinged compartments beneath. On the front is a shield-shaped brass lock, with key no longer present. However, within are the original tin-lidded glass ink bottles and lid with a button handle for a smaller compartment for pens. The desk bears brass hinges and fine construction overall. Aside from a few scratches and one hinge held fast with a wire, near fine condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $1,000