A Chippendale Carved Cherrywood Slant-Front Desk

Likely Rhode Island, Circa 1790

with fitted interior, one of the interior drawers inscribed on the underside $1.50 M.G. Semon 83, a, Send... St.
Height 43 1/2 x width 42 1/4 x depth 20 inches; width of case 37 3/4 inches.

Provenance:

Ex-collection Marjorie L. Adams Jr., Van Nuys, California

Literature:

Winchester, Alice, Living with Antiques: A Treasury of Private Homes in America, (New York: E.P Dutton, 1963), p. 227 (illus.)

In overall fine and stable condition. Retaining a fairly even color and finish throughout. Drawer slides appear to be all original. Old scuffs, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Few age cracks throughout. Some of the drawers show that the lip molding has been patched. The drawer pulls appear to be of the period, but may not be original to this desk as there is slightly different wear marks visible beneath a few of the bale handles. The second drawer from the top shows larger, old patches to the upper corners of the drawer face. Some losses to the molded drawer edges. There are two patches to the slant-front at the junction with each hinge, though the hinges seem original. The lopers, while showing wear, are likely replaced. The carved scroll element is lacking from the proper front right and side left returns, though these appear to be lost long ago. The rear support brackets (non-decorative foot) are likely early replacements. Five of the six foot facings show later screws to now hold them in place. The proper front right foot is lacking the blocks to the underside of the case.
Secondary woods: white pine and chestnut

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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.

Leah Vogelpohl

AVP, Specialist, American Furniture, Folk, and Decorative Arts

[email protected]513.666.4960

Ms. Vogelpohl joined the firm in 2013 as a cataloger in the American and European Furniture and Decorative Arts department. She became a department specialist in 2017, focusing on American decorative arts and silver. She received a BA from the College of Charleston and an MLITT in Art History from the University of Glasgow.

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

A Chippendale Carved Cherrywood Slant-Front Desk

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