Typical period writing desk kit—rectangular wooden box w/hinged lid measuring 8” x 10” 1.5”—of  dovetail construction, with inset lock & turn key (1.25” in length) , & partitions for writing paper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and inkwell (none  present). Owner name inscribed on center lid, "Seth W. Kingsley / 52^nd Reg. Mass. Vol.”, in .375” heavy ink hand-lettering.   Box uncleaned within and largely untouched. Exhibits light inner wear with darkened spot in lower right corner, with light outer wear nicks and wear at the extremities. Wartime hand lettering  lightly faded but entirely legible. Turn-key  a post-war replacement. The desk/kit is from the Norman Flayderman collection, and is accompanied by a letter of provenance.

Seth W. Kingsley was an 18 year old resident of Hatfield, Ma., who mustered into Co. “K”, 52 Mass. Infy, on 11/18/1862. He was mustered out on 8/14/1863 at Camp Miller in  Greenfield, MA.  The 52^nd Mass. Infy. Was a  nine-month regiment raised in Oct./Nov. 1862. It was assigned to the 19^th Corps and served in Louisiana during the spring and early summer of 1863, during which it participated in the June 14th assault on Ft. Hudson. After which the regt. was transported home. Mustered out 8/14/1863. During service the 52^nd Mass. 11 men killed and mortally wounded and 101 by disease for a total of 112. Fine personal writer kit/desk, excellent display piece.