An English Satinwood, Mahogany and Parcel-Ebonized Carlton House Desk Once Owned by William Vincent Astor (1891-1959)

First Half 19th Century

Height 35 1/2 x width 59 x depth 29 inches.

From the private collection of Brooke Astor, New York

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance:

William Vincent Astor,

Thence by descent within the family.

Note:

John Jacob Astor IV was born into one of the most prominent and wealthy families in U.S. His success is attributed to his many professional pursuits--inventing, writing, and business ventures such as real estate development. He built the Astoria Hotel in New York in 1897, which later became the Waldorf-Astoria through the combination of his cousin's adjoining property. He died on the RMS Titanic when it sank in 1912.

William "Vincent" Astor was the eldest child of John Jacob Astor. Following his father's death, Vincent would inherit his immense fortune, using much of this wealth to fund philanthropic causes, including reinvesting in equitable housing projects in New York. He also gifted the family home Ferncliff to the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, New York upon his death. He served on active duty in both World Wars, even loaning his yacht Nourmahal to the Coast Guard. He was married three times, including to Roberta "Brooke" Russell, who became Brooke Astor.

Aside from being known as a New York socialite, Brooke was hugely charitable, founding the Vincent Astor Foundation with her husband, an organization that supports projects specific to New York City.