Because of the initials JV on the bottom part this portable desk possibly belonged to James Volum (1803-1884) The volum family originally from Peterhead, Scotland, had a long seafaring history. Several members of the family were mates, ship captains in the whaling industry and the merchant navy. James Volum settled in Geelong with his brothers, Andrew Volum and William Volum. He purchased brewery there (Volum Brewery) and the Barwon paper mill at Fyansford.

This set is a rare example of campaign furniture, a type of portable furniture an officer or ship captain would take with him to bring his personal belongings. This type of secretary would have been used by Volum to write in the ship log.

2 sets of drawers setting one on top of each other. The top part is fitted with a secretary drawer.

On top of the bottom set of drawers: initials "J.V" and "# 3"

volum collection, captain, ship, seafaring, campaign furniture, james volum (1803-1884), brewery, paper mill, geelong, peterhead, scotland, fyansford, teak