Portable Writing Desk, Owned by Edgar Allan Poe, 1830-1849
THF91694 / Portable Writing Desk, Owned by Edgar Allan Poe, 1830-1849
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Writing desk
Date Made
1830-1849
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Attributed to a New England-area maker, possibly Boston, Massachusetts.
Location
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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