Rare 1860 GLO (General Land Office) Wood Land Surveyor's Desk Historical Relic

Description

This beautiful wood desk C1860 is from the original surveyors of the GLO (General Land Office). It has been verified by a historian, Sharon Haun, of the Kansas State Historical Society in 1996. It is 22" X 12" X 9", weighs 15.4 pounds, and is well made. It appears to be made from walnut, but is hard to tell, being that it is (160) years old. It has no stain, varnish, or any other finish on it, other than lemon oil, just to keep it from drying out too much.
It is adorned with applied brass embellishments, hand carved and painted compass rose inside the lid, and hand-wrought iron handles. Inside is a pen box with a swivel lid. It originally locked, and still has the brass front-plate for a key, but the locking mechanism is long gone. Why a lock, you might ask? The chief surveyor was not only in charge of the field notes, but also the pay for the field crew, which was usually in gold coin.
This desk withstood the rigors of heavy terrain and waterways on a wagon train carrying the astronomers, food supplies, and personal effects of the surveyors in the field. Due to the rough conditions, bouncing around in a wagon overland, it has had several repairs done to keep it workable, and the top kept very flat, since it was the survey chief's writing surface.
These wooden desks are extremely rare, albeit small, due to lack of room in covered wagons. Most did not survive their service due to extreme conditions. The Smithsonian Institute Museum in Washington D.C. does not have one, nor does any Land Survey Museum in the U.S. that I could find.
A beautiful example of Americana, with rich history, and aesthetic appeal. This wooden jewel looks great anywhere you put it.
Antique Edison Era Battery Replica.    This is a brand new non-working REPLICA/ MODEL of a 1880 s Grenet cell battery. Serial #3.  Offered with totally FREE SHIPPING. "Battery" is hand made one at a time. Each one may be a few millimeters different in appearance.   I am listing only one at a time to assure you that you will receive the exact item as pictured.  Model is meant to represent the basis elements of a wet cell battery having a zinc plated rod,graphite/carbon bars,glass flask but only decorative "terminals".  It displays nicely in appearance as a replica/ model of a Grenet cell.   The elements HAVE NOT been assembled to produce any voltage.  Chemicals are never to be used with this "battery".  "Lid is not attached and it does not seal.  Size: Height to top of lid is 5  1/2". Total height to top of rod is 7  1/2". Glass flask width of globe area is 3  1/2".  It doesn't take up much space and makes for a bit of nice fun decor in any setting. Be it a book shelf,desk or work place. A unique conversation piece to send you back to a bygone era.   Please examine photos  as this is part of description and item is non returnable.  All that being said  it will make a nice addition to complement your antiques of that era.  If not totality satisfied please contact me before leaving any negative ratings. I will try my best to see that you are happy with this purchase. You can also call me as I am "old school".  Oh yes did I mention, shipping is free ! Shipped to only the USA " lower 48 states".  Thank you for viewing !