A Federal Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

Circle of James and Curtis Rockwood, Richmond, Virginia, Circa 1810

appears to retain the original brasses.
Height 94 1/2 x width 45 1/4 x depth 21 inches.

Provenance:

Major John Doswell (1744-1820), and his wife Mary Poythrees Epes (b. 1767);

to their daughter Frances Susan Doswell (1801-1889), married first to Harry Stanard Beverly (1792-1839) and married second to Francis Washington Epes (b. 1811);

to their daughter Fannie Washington Epes (1851-1920), married to John Segar Epes (1847-1909);

to their daughter Birdie Epes Gravatt (1882-1959), married to William Moncure Gravatt (1883-1961);

to their daughter Frances Epes Gravatt Crowder (b. 1911);

to her descendants;

Sumpter Priddy III, Alexandria, Virginia

Secondary wood: Poplar and yellow pine
In overall fine and stable condition. Appears to retain the original glass panels, brass hinges and brass drawer pulls. Retaining a fairly even patina and finish throughout, though likely an early refinish. Old scuffs, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Retains two of the three, seemingly original, screws that secure the top to the base. The secretary drawer requires some finessing when pushing back into the case, though all others have a smooth drawer action. The lowest section of molding along the bottom of the superstructure, on the proper left side of the case has a couple of 1 to 2 inch losses. Small 1" crack to one of the lowest glass panes, along its lower edge, though it is stable.
The drawer bottoms within the writing desk appear later, though they still show age.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Ben Fisher

Managing Director, Furniture and Decorative Arts

[email protected]312.447.3270

Mr. Fisher rejoined the firm in 2019 after working as a specialist in the American Furniture and Folk Art department at Sotheby’s New York. His areas of expertise include 18th, 19th, and 20th century American, Continental, and English furniture, decorative and folk art. Before coming to Hindman in 2013, Mr. Fisher worked in European Furniture and Decorative Arts in Philadelphia. He began his career working for a prints dealer focusing on works from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

A Federal Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

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