$1,007
Chinese Brass-bound Lap Desk of Salem Ship Captain, with Contents, mid-19th century, Asian hardwood box with brass mountings, the top with a shaped cartouche engraved "Chs W. Farrington Salem Mafs.," the interior with two writing surfaces, compartments for four glass bottles of ink and writing utensils, hidden interior drawer, and cavities containing a several cased images including an ambrotype of Captain Charles Ward Farrington with a child, two daguerreotypes depicting Captain Andrew Ward of Salem, Massachusetts, six unidentified daguerreotypes of women and children and four ambrotypes of children. Note: Captain Charles Ward Farrington was born April 8, 1810, the son of William and Mary (Ward) Farrington. In 1841 he married Mary Jelly. He was elected into the Salem Marine Society in 1843 and during his lifetime commanded several vessels including the brig Theodore, ship Lausanne, bark Don Quixote, bark Undine, and ship Louisa. He died August 11, 1869, at his residence in Salem. Massachusetts. The brass hinge which holds the top portion of the desk upright is broken.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-11-08
