Travel writing desk of R. Shalom Duber Schneerson, the Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch.
Writing desk for use while travelling (England or France, mid-late 19th century) –
Wooden box with five small compartments for storing writing utensils, inkstands and stamps, and two large compartments for papers. Upon opening, the panels covering the large compartments form together a sloped surface for writing. Lock affixed to the front of the box (lacking key). Brass trim; brass plaque on lid.
Letter of authenticity enclosed (handwritten note, in English), signed in Hebrew by Rebbetzin Chana Gurary (1899-1991), eldest daughter of Rebbe Rayatz and granddaughter of the Rashab: "I hereby gift… the large traveling writing desk of my grandfather the Rashab. He gave it to me in the summer of 1918". The letter is dated September 17, 1989.

Rebbe Rashab (1860-1920), the fifth Chabad Rebbe and prominent leader of Russian Jewry, was frail and sickly, and frequently travelled to various health spas in Europe, to consult with specialists. He took advantage of these trips to do his upmost to improve the material and spiritual situation of his Jewish brethren, particularly of Russian Jews. He travelled to Moscow and to St. Petersburg to annul various Tsarist decrees against the Jews, attended rabbinical conventions, send emissaries to remote Jewish communities, toiled to establish mikvaot and printing presses, assisted Jewish soldiers during the Russo-Japanese War, aided war refugees and orphans, and was very active in preserving Judaism during those arduous times.
His first trip was to Paris in winter 1883, approximately a year after the passing of his father Rebbe Maharash and his appointment as rebbe. Thereafter, he made several trips to other countries, at times staying for prolonged periods. His travels took him to France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Czechoslovakia, the Crimean Peninsula, and more. All this time, the Rashab corresponded with leaders and public figures, and wrote Chassidic essays.
This traveling desk was used by the Rashab during his lengthy travels throughout Russia and various European countries, to correspond with his family and with Chassidim, to write letters on communal matters, and to write his Chassidic essays.

Closed: 17X50X25 cm. Open: 51.5X50 cm. Good-fair condition. Missing key and lid of one small compartment. Minor damage, cracks and chipping.