Images(6)

Desk

Date1740-1760

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts (probably)

MediumMaple, white pine,yellow pine, and tulip poplar (bottom drawer bottom, not old).

DimensionsOH: 43 1/2"; OW: 29"; OD: 16 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1959-243

DescriptionDesk: 2 sections: upper section has flat dovetailed at sides, slant lid with molded edges and central brass escutcheon (not original); top rests, when down, on pair of narrow lopers with chamfered front edges and central brass knobs. Interior of desk section composed of a single row of 5 pigeon holes each topped by a shaped bracket with center bracket forming front of shallow drawer. Small drawers beneath right and left pigeon holes. Two graduated drawers with molded edge and with central escutcheon and pair of shaped brasses with bail pulls. Lower section has open top with molded front and sides concealing interior framing which supports upper section. Single drawer in front of similar construction and with similar brasses to upper drawers. Straight skirt on sides, skirt shaped forming apron of 3 brackets separated by 2 vestigial drops. Four slightly curved cabriole legs terminating in pad feet.

Construction note: lopers which support top are stopped by blocks of wood attached to underside instead of usual peg.

Woods: Primary: Curly maple; secondary: white pine and tulip poplar (bottom drawer bottom, not old).
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition (see Object folder) desk descended in family of General Henry Whiting (1788-1851) of the U.S. Army until 1959. (place of residence unknown).

Line of descent per Mildred de Navarre Pruitt: General Henry Whiting (1788-1851) to his son Commodore William Danforth Whiting (1823-1894), US Navy; to his daughter Florence Whiting Bernadou (1861-1917), wife of Lt. Commander Jean Baptiste Bernadou (1858-1908), US Navy; who in 1917 gave it to Mildred de Navarre Whiting Pruitt "as being on of the most prized of family posessions".