With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional antique tiger maple slant lid desk. This example is a wonderful specimen having been constructed somewhere in New Hampshire close to the year 1780. The desk has all the charm of a countryside antique with the sophisticated design and execution only a master cabinetmaker could produce. A collector looking to enhance an early American interior will find this desk to be the perfect addition to their home. This desk is a remarkable example of the Chippendale design which took hold in America just after the Queen Anne period. The desk has a commanding presence matched by a wonderful color that is further enriched by a warm patina which brings out the full vibrancy and depth of character held by the tiger maple grain. The case of the desk is built from a selection of brilliant tiger maple lumber particularly for the lid which exhibits a bold and illustrious grain pattern made all the more beautiful when exposed to a moderate amount of sunlight.
The desk features a slant lid front which opens to reveal a full stepback interior complete with two document drawers, two writing implement drawers, six pigeonhole compartments with scrolled scallop-form valances, and a center drawer with twin pilasters. The lid is fastened with two iron hinges and fitted with an antique iron lock which are all original. Additionally, the Chippendale bat-wing hardware featured on every drawer is original with the original brass hand turned back nuts still securing the drawer pulls to each drawer. The drawers are fitted with the original iron locks that are still secured with hand forged iron nails. The case and every drawer are constructed with well executed hand cut dovetails. An examination of the drawer panels, backboards, and underside of the case reveal centuries of undisturbed oxidation consistent with the overall age of the desk. The underside of the desk also reveals the original glue blocks which have been affixed to the case since the time it was made. The base of the desk features an intricate scrollwork crown design consistent with New Hampshire Chippendale examples that we have previously owned, and others held in smaller regional collections with a focus on the Granite State. This desk measures 43" wide x 20" deep x 40" tall with a clearance height of 29" beneath the desk lid when it is folded outward.
