Portable Writing Desk, Owned by Edgar Allan Poe, 1830-1849

Summary

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for poetry and short stories. His mystery stories were innovative in American literature. Poe led an unsettled life traveling up and down the East Coast of the United States, staying in jobs for short periods of time. For someone who earned his living through writing, a portable desk would have been a valued possession.

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for poetry and short stories. His mystery stories were innovative in American literature. Poe led an unsettled life traveling up and down the East Coast of the United States, staying in jobs for short periods of time. For someone who earned his living through writing, a portable desk would have been a valued possession.

Artifact

Writing desk

Date Made

1830-1849

Place of Creation

United States, Massachusetts, Boston 

United States, New England 

Creator Notes

Attributed to a New England-area maker, possibly Boston, Massachusetts.

Fully Furnished
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished

Object ID

35.825.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Mahogany (Wood)
Pine (Wood)
Birch (Wood)
Brass (Alloy)
Felt (Textile)

Color

Brown
Gold (Color)
Khaki (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 35 in

Width: 24 in

Length: 16.125 in

Height: 32 in  (back of writing surface to floor)

Height: 29 in  (front of writing surface to floor)

Inscriptions

On underside of writing surface of back compartment: HENRY PN RH / 834

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