Images(2)

Desk on Frame

Date1720-1780

OriginAmerica, Virginia

MediumYellow pine

DimensionsOH :48"; OW: 37 1/4"; OD: 25 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1934-22

DescriptionAppearance: Desk on frame in two sections: rectangular upper section with flat top, straight sides and slant lid hinged to top at rear (hinges not original but appear old); batten sides of lid extend beyond central board of lid which, when lid is closed, fit tight against strip nailed to upper edge of front side of desk; grooved strip nailed across front of lid serves as pencil stop; brass lock plate with swivel keyhole cover nailed to front of lid; lower section has short straight sides with applies molded edge at sides and front to receive upper section; four blocked and ring turned legs terminating in high turnip feet; legs braced by blocked and ring turned "H" stretcher; traces of original green paint.

Construction:
Frame: the front, back and side rails are tenoned and double through-pegged to the block at the top of the turned legs. Mitered moldings are nailed to the top outer edges of the front and side rails and to the front face of the front and side rails at the top. The turned side stretchers are tenoned and double through-pegged to the legs. The turned medial stretcher is tenoned and double through-pegged to the side stretchers.

Desk: The top and bottom (the bottom consists of three side-to-side butt joined boards) are dovetailed to the sides. The front is rabbeted at the ends and nailed to the front ends of the sides and bottom board. The back is nailed from the back into rabbets in the sides and bottom and nailed from the top into a rabbet in the top.

The two-board hinged writing surface or lid is joined to the end battens with three two-inch wide tenons. The outside 2” of the 2 ½” wide battens has been replaced and the battens have been rebuilt. (The battens support the full weight of the writing surface when resting on the tops of the sides)

The battens are notched for a rounded molding that is nailed to the upper facing edge of the desk front board. A grooved strip molding butt joins that molding when the writing surface is down, is nailed to the writing surface and extends to cover the full width of the battens.

The full width of the writing surface is chamfered at the top to allow the lid to open wider. Iron hinges are early, but evidence indicates screw holes for three earlier hinges.

A board is nailed inside each side about an inch below the top of the side at the same slant as the side. (These boards may be later additions as the side boards split).
MarkingsNone found