Before email and the dawn of the communications age, the lap desk was an important tool for correspondence. In the 18th and 19th centuries, people took lap desks with them as you might take your cell phone or laptop today.

They used them to correspond from safari tents, world-class hotels, on ocean voyages, or at home by the fireplace. Thomas Jefferson even wrote the Declaration of Independence on a lap desk. While many habits are thankfully trumped by technology, we feel the custom of hand-written letters should never lose favor; otherwise, our most personal thoughts and observations will not be treasured today or passed down to future generations.

This modern-day lap desk is made of brown native American steer hide with a No. 8 khaki cotton canvas interior. Solid brass tabs designate leather-trimmed compartments for personal and business cards, writing pens, note and postal cards, stamps, accompaniments and envelopes. Comes with a supply of notepaper, note cards and envelopes. Adjustable strap closure. Brass oval front plate may be personalized with three initials. 19" x 12 1/2".