Diminutive English George III Mahogany Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1780

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Diminutive English George III Mahogany Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1780

About the Item

Of perfect size and proportions, this English George III Secretary Desk is commanding in presence while restrained in dimension. Finely crafted in every way, the piece exhibits bold toothed dentil molding beneath the projecting crown molding over the pair of astragal molded thirteen-pane doors. The exposed through-tenon construction is visible on the sides of these doors, a molded strip of brass applied with hand cut brass screws on the right door to perfectly seal the case. These open on original brass hinges to reveal the three adjustable shelves, crafted of mahogany backed by unfinished pine - the pine has aged wonderfully with a warm nut brown oxidization to all surfaces. The top drawer of the lower case is fitted as a "Butler's" desk, pulling out and dropping down by depressing a pair of brass buttons inside of the frame to reveal a full writing surface and fitted interior of three small drawers, two pigeon-hole slots and a document drawer on either side bracketing the carved prospect door and empty interior. The fall front retains it's original cast iron hinges and brass curved brackets. The lower three drawers are hand dovetailed in the typical manner, each with crisp pins and wedges cut from what appears to be elm in the sides and oak in the back, the bottom boards being pine. Full depth pine dust boards protect the contents of each drawer from the dust and dirt of moving drawers. All drawers retain their original and quite handsome brasses, though one bail pull from the fall front has been lost over the years. The back of the case is of simple construction, the lower case with vertical pine boards nailed along the edges (later nails supplement the few original remaining nails); the upper case is a series of pine panels set in tenon-mortised framing, the edges of each panel feathered and set in grooves in the frame. The entire surface is covered in a red-wash, common for the period to protect from deterioration and insect damage; the same red wash is found in the unfinished pine of the lower case beneath the secretary bookcase. When lifted off, the top of the lower case reveals the open dovetailing beneath the mahogany molding that frames the bookcase. Original bracket feet with much of the original blocking support this gorgeous desk, each portion of molding and all feet being deeply patinated with years of wear rubbed into their surfaces. The triangular supports for the feet are likely replacements. A very fine piece in an excellent state of preservation, remaining as nearly original as is likely to be found in such a delicate work, this is an exceptional acquisition for any classical interior. Being of delicate proportions, the desk does not overwhelm a space but rather brings depth, style and function in relatively light dimensions. It will certainly be a cherished strike point piece for anyone passionate about English antiques. Measurements: 86 1/2" H x 20 1/8" D x 36" W; 30 3/4" H to writing surface; lower case 40 1/2" H; upper bookcase 46 1/4" H Condition Report: Early surface with wonderful fully developed patina under years of waxing. Piece of astragal molding on left door replaced, old repair to lower hinge of right door (small brass screws visible along side). Repairs and patches to drawer blades and verticals, particularly above locks. Cockbead molding losses and replacements around drawers. Loss of several teeth in dentil molding. Crack in crown molding on left side and old repairs/splices to crown molding, some replaced blocking behind crown molding. Bead molding below crown replaced on one side. Missing one bail pull, all pulls are original. Feet and most blocking are original, the feet with some old cracks and patches as expected. Knobs in upper drawers of butler desk compartment are period replacements (note decoration variation). Typical wear, dings, abrasions and old surface scars as expected, though the surface remains rich and very attractive. Backboards resecured with later nails in lower case. Key for bookcase not very effective, right door of bookcase tight to close from case shrinkage. We have 70 detailed images of this antique George III secretary desk available upon request.

Dimensions:
Height: 86.5 in (219.71 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 20.13 in (51.14 cm)
Style:
George III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Elm,Glass,Mahogany,Oak,Pine
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1780
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. See condition notes.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 509MUZ18Q1stDibs: LU105903245582

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