Two (2) decorative desk accessories, lap desk and inkstand letterbox. 1st item: Napoleon III ebonized lap desk with tortoiseshell, foliate and bird brass boulle inlay, and gilt brass trim made by Vervelle Aine. Upper lid with keyhole opens to reveal three sine-wave letter partitions (frontmost pierced) and a narrow storage well with velvet lid having loops to hold writing utensils flanked by two glass inkwells covered in leather; lower lid opens to reveal partitioned, velvet-lined writing surface of which the upper portion can be lifted via ribbon handle to reveal a storage well. Inscribed "Vervelle Aine" to internal locking mechanism. 8 1/4" H x 14 5/8" W x 13" D. French, 19th century. 2nd item: Victorian rosewood desk stand with ebonized trim having applied pierced and engraved gilt brass accents, comprised of a letterbox with keyhole and hinged lid opening to reveal three satin-lined letter partitions raised on a rectangular base with depressions for two glass inkwells and one fountain pen over single dovetailed drawer on bun feet. Old W. F. Crumpe paper label affixed to underside of drawer. 9 1/2" H x 11 7/8" H x 9 1/4" D. English, late 19th century.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Peggy Lambert, Maryville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: 1st item: Scattered wear to boulle and tortoiseshell inlay including minor separation/splitting and warping to bending. Scattered minute losses to tortoiseshell, largest measuring 1/8" x 1/8". Gilt trim to letter partitions and upper lid partially detached. Velvet components with fading/discoloration commensurate with age; ink stain to writing surface. Internal lid slightly warped. Key is not present. 2nd item: Minor scattered surface wear including scratches and areas of discoloration. Minor splitting of wood commensurate with age primarily to lower trim. Scattered minor chips to inkwells.