American Chippendale Maple Antique Slant-Front Writing Desk, Massachusetts

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American Chippendale Maple Antique Slant-Front Writing Desk, Massachusetts

About the Item

American Chippendale maple slant-front writing desk Massachusetts, circa 1780 Item # 010KIO06M A Fine writing desk that likely originates on the North Shore of Massachusetts circa the last quarter of the 18th century, it is an iconic example of the workmanship of that region: open dovetails along the top of the desk and exposed in the drawer blades, beautiful scrolled work in the bracket feet, the distinctive drop-pendant with a half-fan carving along the apron and the interior with the half-fan carved drawer flanked by columnar document slots. The use of maple is an interesting selection, as most of these desks we have handled from the coastal region of Massachusetts tend to be mahogany. It is an effective choice, the dense wood taking on a beautiful glow under an old shellac and years of waxing - the resulting surface patina is most attractive with wear, color variation, scarring and stains recording the history of the desk as it has traveled through the centuries. Also typical of the period and location, the craftsmanship is exemplary. Crisp handcut dovetails are the joinery of choice throughout; all drawers are beautifully dovetailed and the result is perfectly tight corners after two-hundred and fifty years of use and stress. The slant-front opens on original hinges and rests on withdrawn lopers to reveal a comfortable writing surface backed by eight simple pigeon-hole letter slots over three short drawers on either side flanking the central prospect drawers and document slots. The facade of the desk is lined by four graduated drawers with bail-pull brass hardware and simple cast brass escutcheons. The original backboards are affixed with mostly original iron brad nails through the Eastern White Pine boards. The desk rests over original scroll-cut bracket feet. Measurements: 42 1/4" H x 20 5/8" D x 40 1/8" W; 32 3/8" H from floor to writing surface Condition Report: Apparently original bail-pull drawer hardware. One key. Scars, scuffs and abrasions throughout, this having mostly oxidized and joined the surface over time. Bracket feet original; most feet with horizontal cracks in facings (not destabilizing). It is possible that one drawer is missing from the prospect area, though the lack of scuffing wear would suggests this central slot was for storing stacks of papers. Vertical crack to left side of desk from shrinkage over time (with some associated old filler). Sturdy, stabile and fully functional.

Dimensions:
Height: 42.25 in (107.32 cm)Width: 40.13 in (101.94 cm)Depth: 20.63 in (52.41 cm)
Style:
Chippendale (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Iron,Mahogany,Maple,Pine
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1780
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. See condition notes in description text.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 010KIO06M | Silla, ltd.1stDibs: LU1059021288522