This bureau has a tambour roll top and a two-door front. There is brass plaque mounted on the top with the inscription: 'This bureau belonged to Nelson and was on the Victory at Trafalgar'. However, only the exterior is original, as the interior was refitted in the early 20th century with a combination of drawers and pigeon-holes. Originally it had only pigeon-holes which provided a neat and portable filing system when at sea. The object came to the National Maritime Museum through the Nelson family. After Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, it was given to his sister, Susannah Bolton.