American Chippendale Slant and Block Front Antique Desk, Newburyport, MA

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About the Item

Very fine American Chippendale slant front desk with fitted interior Probably Newburyport, Massachusetts circa 1770 Provenance from the Israel Sack Collection with original label signed by Israel Sack in top drawer Held in a single collection since 1931 (provenance details available upon request) A remarkable work of art from the Newburyport area of Massachusetts, this fine American Chippendale desk is clearly executed by a craftsman of some skill. The case is joined in a manner typical of the work center, the top with tidy exposed dovetails along both sides, the bottom board likewise dovetailed into the sides of the case. The drawer blades are set into the sides of the case behind a thin applied stile on either side, these carved with raised edges to simulate cockbead molding around the drawers. The backboards are bevelled around all three edges to set flush against the back, affixed at regular intervals with mostly original iron sprigs. Each drawer is crafted with utmost precision and care, the complex blocked drawer sawn from a very thick board in a manner that leaves the drawer light and agile while the beautiful mahogany plank maintains strength and stability. These slide smoothly in and out of the case with little friction or wiggle. The lid lowers to rest on a pair of mahogany lopers revealing an attractive fitted interior with six pigeon-hole compartments over three small drawers over two large drawers and an open storage compartment flanked by a pair of blocked drawers with half-shell carvings. A pair of document drawers flank the middlemost pigeon-hole and drawer, these with beautiful turned columns closely related to the Newburyport work center, one inscribed "William Holker / Mooney's Block Water Street". The entire case rests over ogee bracket feet and conforming stepped molding, the lower 1 3/4" of all feet having been replaced in the early 20th century. The majority of the feet blocking is untouched and original, retaining a nearly black level of oxidization and hand tooling - the vertical blocks are naturally replaced in all four feet. This is a positively exceptional object, the quality and aesthetics above reproach. It has fine sinuous lines, the curving of the molding and ogival of the blocking completed in the bold character of each flared foot. For a serious collector of fine American antiques, this is a work of art you will cherish in your collection for a lifetime. Measurements: 43 3/4" W x 23 3/8" D x 41 3/8" H; writing surface is 39 3/8" W x 24" D; 29 5/8" H to writing surface Literature: ----------- American Furniture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Late Colonial Period: The Queen Anne and Chippendale Styles, Heckscher, 1985, p. 269 [MA c. 1760-90 with identical form, scalloping of returns and molding - larger drop shell ornament], p. 274-176 [examples from Salem and Newburyport, both with distinct similarities, the Salem example with an identical drop shell and returns, both examples with oxbow form], p. 356 [a study of desk interiors by region, f. 180 showing a fitted interior from Newburyport with identical turned baluster columns in the document drawers, the half shell carving of the blocked drawers also identical but found in several Massachusetts work centers] New England Furniture : The Colonial Era, Jobe and Kaye, p. 234 [an oxbow example from Newburyport with nearly identical drop shell and molding] Condition Report: -------------------- Lid catches on upper right corner, not closing completely due to age shrinking; this has been the source of the old repaired cracks in the case at the same spot. Restoration is possible by shifting the hinges, but we do not do any restorations. Lid with patches around lock and hinges - appears the lid was restored at the hinges, the lowest 1 1/2" strip of the lid replaced probably due to dropping the lid without the lopers in place at one point. Likewise, the vertical 1" of both sides is patched. Additional patching near period lid lock and accompanying patch above lock. All lid hardware is period, originality unknown. Document drawers with a poplar patch to left side and accompanying mahogany strip patch. Some replaced nails on both document drawers. "William Holker Mooney's Block Water Street" inscribed on one drawer. Most ring pulls on the fitted interior drawers are period replacements with accompanying patches and filled holes. Replaced batwing hardware on all drawers. Original label from Israel Sack after the sale dated October 18, 1931. Bottom drawer may have been strengthened with a batten at one point, note the peg-filled holes in this; the drawer bottom is original as well as all framing. The drawer runners in the case are possibly replaced (white pine), the top drawer runners c. early 20th century (poplar) Craftsman's error in molding measurement leaves a 1/2" offset of left blocking to molding. All feet are at least mostly original, the lower 1 3/4" portion of all feet replaced during the early years of the 20th century. Vertical blocking replaced, a portion of one return is replaced. Old age cracks to right side of case. Other minor patches, scars, cracks and chips to surface throughout, these detailed in the slideshow of photos. Early and well patinated surface under layers of wax - not an original surface, but very attractive.

Dimensions:
Height: 41.38 in (105.11 cm)Width: 43.75 in (111.13 cm)Depth: 23.38 in (59.39 cm)
Style:
Chippendale (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1770
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. See condition notes.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 409LXI13S1stDibs: LU105901302306

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