Historic Jefferson Lap Desk

        In May of 1776, a tall, red-haired, 33-year-old lawyer made his way to Philadelphia to join the Continental Congress. Known for his revolutionary thinking and persuasive writing, the young Virginian was chosen to draft the pending independence declaration. His name was Thomas Jefferson.
       Jefferson decided that he needed a compact, portable writing desk to use in his rented room, as well as in his travels. By good fortune, his lodgings were at the home of the cabinetmaker, Benjamin Randolph. Jefferson sketched what he wanted and his host agreed to construct the unusual device. His design employed a novel combination of hinged surfaces that in one configuration held a book for reading and in another unfolded into a large and strong writing surface. Inside was a locking drawer for papers, pens, and an inkwell.
       Throughout June of 1776, Thomas Jefferson labored at this desk, storing drafts of the document in the drawer and rewriting it with advice from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, among others. The famous words proclaimed on July 4th of that year gave birth to our nation and catapulted Jefferson to fame. His little desk accompanied him as president and after, supporting his prodigious writings for the ensuing 50 years. It now resides at the Smithsonian Institute.
       This outstanding reproduction by our 21st century cabinetmaker Marshall Petty is faithful to the original. It is handcrafted from solid, 18th Century mahogany salvaged from a cabinet that was built during the same period. It also features inlaid Curly Maple and cast brass hardware. The only liberty taken was re-sizing the drawer compartments to fit today’s paper – a change which we believe the pragmatic Thomas Jefferson would have approved. Though this is a museum-quality reproduction, it is built to be used. Each one is sized and numbered by the craftsman and comes with a certificate of authenticity for insurance and appreciation value.