English George III Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1790

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English George III Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1790

About the Item

A superbly crafted and designed piece, this fine secretary desk is a rare survivor with nearly perfect originality throughout. Other than the surface having been touched up over the years, the color vibrant and deep under countless layers of wax, almost every aspect of the desk is original: all pulls, all hardware, almost all nails, feet, structure and glass. It is just a marvelous piece to look on, the elegant design looking light and airy on the flared French feet, these remarkable small feet lifting the quite large structure of the bookcase almost effortlessly. The craftsman was careful to balance weight of materials with the proportions of the case, choosing to utilize thin oak for secondary surfaces that required it (drawer framing) while utilizing pine in almost all other secondary areas. The result drastically reduces the weight of the overall case and is probably the reason the feet have survived in such excellent shape. The top two drawers of the case are faux, pulling out as a pair to reveal the butler's desk of four stacked graduated drawers flanking a series of pigeon-holes and a prospect door with what is probably the original key, opening to reveal a tiny set of three drawers. The bookcase doors open to reveal three adjustable shelves, one being solid mahogany and the other two being pine with a mahogany facing; all three are scooped and beaded along the front edge, the sides being finished in a thick brass strip that allows them to easily slide in and out of their perspective positions. The bookcase back is crafted with pine panels set in groves of the tenon-mortised frame, this joined with double pegs through the tenons, the sides with hand cut screws securing the frame to the sides of the case. The crown molding on top of the bookcase is a separate piece that easily lifts off of the upper section, the back corners hand dovetailed and the medial brace with a half-dovetail notch locking the front into the back. For serious collectors of English furniture, this is an exquisite piece that is only rarely found in this state of preservation. Measurements: 22 3/4" D x 50 1/2" W x 94 1/4" H; lower chest is 43" H, bookcase is 51 1/2" H x 12 1/2" D Condition Report: Patched cracks to the left and right corners of the top of the lower case. Cracks in feet, the feet being original and retaining original interior blocking - some supporting blocking is replaced, but almost all secondary support is original. Entirely original backboards for upper and lower, a few modern nails added to supplement the rosehead and cut nails lining the back. Losses to molding around bottom of bookcase on right and left with some traces of glue from repairs to the molding. Veneer on right side of crown was cracked and repaired at one point. All shelves with wear and retaining original brass strips on outer edge. Writing surface is not original, being worn and torn from use; discolorations to mahogany around writing surface from staining. All hardware is original and it would appear that all glass is also original - replaced putty around many panes, somewhat visible from the front. We have 77 detailed images of this English Secretary Desk available upon request.

Dimensions:
Height: 94.25 in (239.4 cm)Width: 50.5 in (128.27 cm)Depth: 22.75 in (57.79 cm)
Style:
George III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Glass,Mahogany,Oak,Pine
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1790
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 508CFU23A1stDibs: LU105903026792