Field Desk

[Redcoat Surgeon]

I was wondering if officer's had their name and regiment stenciled on their field desks? I have looked at several pictures of desks from the war and have not noticed any of these markings. Of course, the majority of photos shows the desk open so you can view the inside.

Cheers,
John Ferrannini
Surgeon, 67th NY, 1st Long Island Vols.

[Frederick14Va]

John
.. Majority that Ive examined typically would have at least the regiment and company, especially if it was for the company papers. Sometimes including the respective officers rank/name if it was his personal one. Most all that Ive seen usually are hand painted on rather than stenciled.

[Mint Julep]

You would want some sort of ID on the outside so that when you send Cpl X to the wagons to retrieve your desk he knows which one to get. A company box/desk might have the regiment and company on the outside, but I think as you get higher in rank or position you would find the officer's name on the outside. Also, I think you would find the markings on more than one side so it would show regardless of how it was packed into the wagon.

Pure speculation on my part, however, based on experience, not historical research.

[rooney]

The Oshkosh Public Muesum has a desk in their collection:
http://www.oshkoshmuseum.org/Virtual...t3/e30241a.htm
Rooney

[rooney]

Here's another one:
http://www.oshkoshmuseum.org/Virtual...t3/e30270a.htm
Rooney

[doughboy]

Speculation is Evil and NOT to be tolerated! LOL