Third quarter 19th century, rosewood veneers, mahogany secondary, inlaid brass shield escutcheon and matching lid cartouche engraved "Mattie / Nov. 14th 1959," opens to an aubergine velvet writing service fitted with pen tray and inkwell compartments, lifting to reveal document storage and many handwritten letters from the 1860s and later between a Miss Mattie Truesdell of Hillsdale, New York and James W. Hawn of 143 Broadway and 21 Wall St., New York, New York.

4 1/2 x 14 x 9 1/2 in.

Private Florida Estate

Some minor scratches to veneer; center writing service detached; loose service boards; shrinkage crack to underside; no key.