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Post-conservation Record Shot. Desk and bookcase.
Desk and bookcase
Post-conservation Record Shot. Desk and bookcase.

Desk and bookcase

Date1770-1800
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Greenfield or Vermont
MediumCherry and white pine
DimensionsOH: 85"; OW: 43 1/2"; OD: 22 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-542
DescriptionDesk and bookcase in two sections: upper section has full bonnet top with broken pediment; heavily molded cornice; pediment topped by three finials: side finials are flame shaped on fluted blocks; shorter center finial with central spiral section topped by round umbrella-like section with notched edge. Sides of upper section are plain; two doors at front, one door with fielded ogee panel, small keyhole escutcheon in right door. Doors open on brass butt hinges which reveal interior divided into roughly equal sections by two vertical and two horizontal boards with molded front edges. Lower section has flat recessed top, straight plain sides; slant lid with battened sides and top has single scrolled brass escutcheon at center. Lid opens on two butt hinges supported on rectangular slides with scrolled wood handles at front. Two stepped interior, the upper level divided into five sections, the two end sections and the center each composed of two blocked drawers, the upper drawer carved with a concave shell; other two sections each composed of three pigeon holes with deeply scrolled frets above and scrolled dividers between, with a blocked drawer beneath each row; the center drawers are flanked by a pair of false document drawers with reeded fronts; these drawers do not open; lower level of interior has three drawers, the center drawer larger than the two side ones; all drawers have a single brass knob at center; front of lower section composed of four serpentine graduated drawers, the top drawer has round blocking as well as a serpentine shape. Each drawer has a pair of shaped brass back plates and brass handles and matching escutcheons at center. Molded base above four ogee bracket feet flanked by scrolled knee brackets
Label TextThe reverse-serpentine shape of this desk's facade, the curved panels on the bookcase doors, the shapely broken-scroll pediment and desk interior, and the ogee bracket feet all pay homage to the popularity of the S curve as the line of beauty. The three finials atop the pediment are all original, even the unusual round one in the center. The house for which this piece was made may have had low ceilings, necessitating a shorter central finial.
InscribedChalk numbers on rear of interior drawers. "A.....Benjamin scratched into top drawer of lower section.
Exhibition(s)