With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this remarkable antique ladies' desk. We are incredibly fond of these desks as they make for the perfect addition to traditional Federal interiors or for any space deserving of some antique charm. The earliest forms of these desks were produced in large port cities in the late 18th century for wealthy patrons who could afford to employ the talents of master cabinetmakers. The most valuable examples were made in the northeast and can often sell for upwards of $10,000 when they appear at auction or antique shows across the country. Collectors vigorously pursue these desks as they are quite often placed beneath an expensive painting or between a matched pair of antique mirrors or wall sconces. Into the 20th century leading furniture manufactures continued producing ladies' desks in the Federal style as demand for them has been continual since they first appeared centuries ago.
The desk we now presently offer is an example produced towards the later part of the 19th century. It has all the quality and premium grade of craftsmanship as an 18th century predecessor but is far closer in price to a traditional copy made about a century ago. For a collector not wanting to pay an exorbitant amount of money but wanting to have a desk that appears every bit the part of a museum grade antique then this offering is perhaps the best option anywhere. The case is primarily constructed from an exceptional grade of mahogany in two sections. The drawer interiors are built with hand-cut dovetails and many of the interior elements are fashioned with hand tooled construction. The tambour doors open to reveal four valance drawers over six interior pigeonholes that each feature scroll worked upper sections. The center has a valance door inlaid with an immaculate Grecian urn that is surrounded by a band of tiger maple which opens to reveal a single interior drawer. The upper section is complete with two inlaid panels flanking the tambour doors and rests in front of a flip down writing surface.
Each drawer is fitted with an inset lock, brass escutcheon, and oval pulls which feature a wreath and ribbon design. Both drawers are inlaid with octagonal string inlay and rest between two rectangular inlaid panels. A wonderful band of diamond pattern inlay spans the lower section on three sides. The desk is made in the Hepplewhite tradition with finely tapered legs adorned with bellflowers and string inlay. The mahogany has developed a beautiful patina throughout many years with a warm tone and rich depth of character. We have owned some incredible ladies' desk in the past and count this example among the very finest which we have ever offered. Based on the superiority of design and construction the desk is almost certainly the product of a Boston based cabinetmaker working in the rich tradition of Federal craftsmanship. This desk measures 37" long x 20 1/2" wide x 44 3/4" tall. The writing surface is 17 1/2" deep and there is 29 1/4" of clearance height beneath the fold out writing lid.
