A Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Block-Front Slant-Front Desk

Massachusetts, Circa 1770

the drawer behind the prospect door conceals a secret compartment accessible through a hinged slat.
Height 44 x width 44 1/2 x 23 1/4 inches.

Provenance:

Mr. and Mrs. James Morton-Smith, Upper Brookville, New York;

Diplomatic Reception Room at the Department of State, Washington, D.C.;

Mrs. Stanley Paul Sax, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, thence by descent to the current owner.

Literature:

Robert C. Smith, “Masterpieces of early American furniture at the United States Department of State,” The Magazine Antiques 98 (November 1970, pp. 776-772, fig. 1. (An accompanying reprint of the article is available with the lot)

In overall fine and stable condition. Refinished, but retaining fairly even coloration throughout. Previously fitted with carrying handles to the sides of the case, now showing diamond shape patterns where they had been mounted. Old age cracks to the sides of the case that appear slightly lighter in color due to restoration. Locks are replaced. Veneer patches in areas. Hinges to lid are either replaced or reset. Knee returns, while showing age, are likely early replacements. Lopers are replaced. Some drawer boards are replaced. Drawer pulls likely of period, but are likely early replacements. Some of the drawers show faint outlines suggesting a larger brass plate was once used for the pulls. The bottom drawer’s escutcheon is a drawer pull plaque converted to be an escutcheon. There is a patch along the lower edge of the top drawer.
Secondary wood: White Pine

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Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Ben Fisher

Managing Director, Furniture and Decorative Arts

[email protected]312.447.3270

Mr. Fisher rejoined the firm in 2019 after working as a specialist in the American Furniture and Folk Art department at Sotheby’s New York. His areas of expertise include 18th, 19th, and 20th century American, Continental, and English furniture, decorative and folk art. Before coming to Hindman in 2013, Mr. Fisher worked in European Furniture and Decorative Arts in Philadelphia. He began his career working for a prints dealer focusing on works from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Leah Vogelpohl

AVP, Specialist, American Furniture, Folk, and Decorative Arts

[email protected]513.666.4960

Ms. Vogelpohl joined the firm in 2013 as a cataloger in the American and European Furniture and Decorative Arts department. She became a department specialist in 2017, focusing on American decorative arts and silver. She received a BA from the College of Charleston and an MLITT in Art History from the University of Glasgow.

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

A Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Block-Front Slant-Front Desk

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