A Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Tambour-Front Desk-and-Bookcase

likely New Hampshire, Circa 1810

inscribed Secret Drawer / New Bedford / Mass. and further inscribed in pencil Alice Caukins / Carrie Caukins / Mrs. Caukins.
Height 82 x width 44 x depth 20 1/4 inches.

Property from a Prominent Midwest Estate

Exhibited:

Art Institute of Chicago, American Art of the Colonies and Early Republic, July 17-September 12, 1971, cat. no. 60, illus. p. 49.

In overall fair, stable and usable condition. Having a refinished surface, but from several decades ago. Retains a fairly even patina and color throughout with some fading due to sun exposure. Old scuffs, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Small veneer losses throughout with some visible patches. The drawer pulls are later and associated. The bookcase section’s backboards are replaced. A later board was added to the detachable cornice. The rightmost side panel beside the tambour is slightly pushed back (detached from the side panel, seemingly pushed in), but it does not hinder the tambour door from sliding in or out. The knob for the rightmost tambour door is lacking.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

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

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

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 Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Tambour-Front Desk-and-Bookcase

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup