An exemplary cherry and birdseye maple secretary desk with bookcase top and secret compartment was hand crafted in New England about 1820. Clean and simple, this beautiful American antique shows country Sheraton influence.
Solid cherry is hand-planed everywhere. The old finish is exceptional, with just enough mars and wear for a little character and glowing patina. The separate upper bookcase has wavy glass panes, slide-in adjustable shelves, plus cubicles and 4 tiny drawers. The dropfront on the lower section opens to expose 12 drawers with solid birdseye maple fronts. Inside, flipping a release bar opens a secret compartment.
Drawers have exquisite tiny hand cut dovetails, lower panels are shimmering flame grain, and the long drawer is banded in mahogany. The simple crown recalls Shaker furniture design of the same era.
Stool-height, the writing surface is 38 1/2" above the floor. Overall size is 4'4" wide, 20" deep and 7'8" tall. G-S1866 |