catalog text
GEORGE III MAHOGANY DIMINUTIVE SECRETARY WITH BOOKCASE
England, circa 1780
Item # 307PZN13W
A very fine secretary desk of diminutive proportions, this fabulous form features an upper bookcase with a cove-molded cornice over a pair of glazed doors with eight panels each, these divided with original astragal moldings, opening to reveal an adjustable three-shelf space bookcase. The doors are beautifully embellished with fluted pilasters boasting Ionic capitals that are exquisitely detailed with rich undercutting.
The lower case features a brushing slide situated over five rows of graduated drawers, the second from the top cleverly fitted with a green baize writing surface that pushes back to reveal storage space beneath while the faceted glass inkwell bottles (one missing the lid) and double trough pen tray are situated along the right side.
The timbers selected for the case are above reproach and present with a ruby hue throughout that is incredibly appealing, this finished under a glowing silky French polish to the mahogany veneers throughout. The drawers are hung with period Georgian brasses, not the originals but quite attractive nonetheless. These are framed with applied cockbead moldings around the crisp hand-cut dovetails. The entire desk is raised over a molded plinth over bracket feet with subtle scalloping in the returns. On either side of the lower case are heavy brass carrying handles.
Measurements: 77 7/8" H x 16 1/8" D x 34" W; upper writing surface is 36 5/8" H from the ground, 9 3/4" D x 30 3/4" W; drawer writing surface 26 1/8" knee clearance, 30 3/8" H from the ground to the top of the writing surface, 13" D x 26" W
Condition Report:
Old refinish while appearing to retaining much of the earliest surface, with a rich patina throughout; scuffs, dings, abrasions and shrinkage cracks as expected from gentle use over time; sliver of oak added to backboards of the upper case to heal the crack (at which point the boards may have been sanded); replaced brasses with patches/dowel fillings where old brasses used to hang; one bottle msising its lid.