A particularly handsome American late 18th century
mahogany slant top desk attributed to New York City. The desk
is unusually wide giving it a very pleasing horizontal affect.
Very fine color with outstanding use of choice mahogany and
mahogany veneers.
Condition: The desk contains no repairs of restorations of
any merit. The finish has been professionally conserved with
a French polish. All bale-handled brasses, with the exception
of those on the lower drawer, which have been re-cast, are
original. The feet and blocking arrangement are undisturbed.
All locking mechanisms, with the exception of one lower drawer
lock are present. All drawer runners are original; however
two drawer sides have had an inch repair from years of wear.
Construction: The carcass of the desk is comprised of three
solid mahogany boards. The top board is dovetailed to the case
sides. The fall-front board is made of a solid piece of figured
Cuban mahogany which is mitered on three sides and attaches
to the desk writing surface with the three original solid brass
hinges. The desk’s writing surface locking mechanism
is original as well. The interior features a centrally located
prospect door revealing two drawers, one of which is hidden.
Two vertical document drawers flank this. On either side are
a series of six drawers situated above eight pigeonholes. The
lower element of the case showcases four graduated and cock-beaded
drawers faced with mahogany veneers over a single board of
white pine. The lower drawers are joined to the poplar sides
by means of a half-blind dovetail joint. The drawers run on
a series of eight white pine runners which are nailed to the
case sides. The desk bottom is constructed of a single board
of white pine dovetailed to the case sides. The four feet retain
their original blocking network of two chamfered blocks of
white pine glued to the case horizontally and a single vertical
block of ash that is both glued and screwed to the feet. The
backboard is comprised of a series of horizontal white pine
boards nailed to the case.
Materials: Mahogany, mahogany veneers, tulip poplar, white
pine, ash, steel, and brass.
Dimensions: Height 42", Width 46", Depth 21".
Provenance: A Charleston, South Carolina Estate.
CA.SD.03.123
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