Images(4)

Clothespress with secretary

Date1800-1815

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Lynchburg

MediumMahogany, tulip poplar, white pine

DimensionsOH: 81 3/4"; OW: 49 1/2"; OD: 23"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-463

DescriptionUpper Section: Flat top surrounded by deep, cove, veneered cornice; pair of paneled doors, right one bordered by a double molding on left side and left door bordered by single molding on right; interior of top composed of three sliding trays, each with molded upper edges at front, and S-shaped sides; trays slide on original, shaped runners.

Lower section: Flat top surrounded by raised molding on sides and front to receive upper section; three, full length drawers, each with pair of wood knobs (replaced); front of top drawer pulls down on quadrant hinges to form writing surface and reveal compartmented rear section containing two tiers of drawers over a row of pigeonholes on each side of a central door which opens to reveal two drawers and a pigeonhole; narrow, scalloped piece of wood nailed to cover drawer sides at front; diamond-shaped, brass escutcheon on top drawer with cut-out S forming keyhole; body of chest rests on four, shaped bracket feet.
InscribedChalk inscription on underside of top "Bot V (F?)" Pencil signature on back of lower case.
MarkingsCircles inscribed with a compass on top of bottom case.
ProvenanceAccording to history supplied with piece in Object file (OF), this piece was owned in the Byrd family at Westover and then taken by members of the family to Lynchburg, from where it was purchased. For futher information on the history of and previous owners see Memorandum in OF from Mary Goodwin to Mr. Graham , dated July 26, 1968. This memorandum seems to confirm the speculation that this piece was never at Westover, and probably never owned by Francis Otway Byrd, whose name was given by the former owners as the first owner of the piece. A more likely first owner would be one of his children, probably Elizabeth Byrd who married Alexander Tompkins.