A Chippendale Figured and Shell-Carved Mahogany Slant Front Desk

A Chippendale Figured and Shell-Carved Mahogany Slant Front Desk

Goddard-Townsend School, Likely Rhode Island, 18th Century
the back of each case drawer chalk marked respectively A, B, C, D; the hardware, while seemingly of the period, is replaced.
Height 42 x width 40 1/4 x depth 21 inches.

Note:
An example with near identical compartments is listed in the Rhode Island Furniture Archive, RIF 100. Secondary woods on the present example include cherry, poplar and chestnut.

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts In overall fine and stable condition. Appears to retain a fairly even and consistent patina throughout, though likely a later refinish. Scuffs, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The lock mechanisms appear to be original. Some of the interior drawers show various numberings on the reverse of the drawer front or the underside of the drawer, but not always consistent. Drawer runners are replaced. Age split to the proper right side of the case, towards the bottom. Added vertical brace to the backboards from the inside of the case. The drawer pulls and brass plaques, while seemingly of the period, are replacements for this slant front. Few small patches to the upper molded edge of the drawer faces. Few small losses to the edge of the proper right side of the slant. One knop pull lacking from the interior drawers. Few of the glue blocks to the underside are replaced, some with an applied finish. A couple of the foot facings previously cracked and reglued, but all appear original. The lopers have been replaced with elements that are not as tall as the originals, with associated patches on the front of the chest. The hinges on the slant are likely early replacements. The prospect door's hinges have been moved from the exterior to the interior of the compartment with associated patches to the exterior of the door and the case. With keys inside drawer.