A Chippendale Shell-Carved Mahogany Block-Front Slant-Front Desk

A Chippendale Shell-Carved Mahogany Block-Front Slant-Front Desk

Newburyport, Massachusetts, Circa 1770
Height 41 x width 42 1/2 x depth 22 inches.

Property from the Collection of Addice and Peter Thomas, Fairfax, Virginia American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts In overall fine and stable condition. Retaining a fairly even, darker surface. Brasses appear to be original, though it is likely that they were removed during a previous treatment to the surface, and reset back on the wrong drawers, as the holes and posts align, but there is slight variable difference to the shadow lines on the drawer face. The slant lid appears to retain the original hinges. Scuffs marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Age cracks visible to the slant lid and sides of the case. Appears to retain the original glue blocks. Two of three drawers previously fitted with locks, now detached and missing, one retained. The lock mechanism for the slant lid appears to be original. Lacking keys. Foot facing from the side of the proper front left foot and side facings of the proper right feet are previously cracked and reglued about 3 inches from the bottom of the foot.The scroll element of the proper rear right foot is either an early replacement or it was previously cracked and reglued. There’s a loss to the front of the top board at the junction with the lock clasp…likely due to the slant being pried open. There is separation of the vertical molded strip along the front of the proper right side of the case, likely due to movement of the horizontal drawer divider in that junction. There’s a loss to the bottom of the lower right brass drawer pull plate. Previously set on casters.

Provenance:
Freeman's Auctions, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 12 May 2017, Lot 72

Note:
Addice and Peter Thomas, passionate collectors of American and English antiques, amassed a vast collection over their 60-year marriage. Both were active members of the Washington, D.C. arts community. Peter served as Dean of the Corcoran School of Art and later as Art Director at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Addice studied voice and worked for two decades as the manager of the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center.

As collectors, their focus was primarily on the 18th and 19th centuries, though they occasionally acquired from earlier periods. They frequently sourced their antiques at shops along the east coast and during their annual trips to the United Kingdom.

Their collection is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of items from art, folk art, and decorative arts to sterling silver, tinware, blue granite, pewter, copper and brass. Their collection of English ceramics including ironstone, early Mason’s wares, Gaudy Welsh, Gaudy Dutch, and Staffordshire, numbered in the hundreds. Additionally, they acquired over one hundred Staffordshire figures and child's dishes, Toby jugs, and Dutch ceramics including a striking five-vase garniture. Finally, they had a substantial collection of American and English furniture, child’s furniture and over fifty Persian carpets. Their collection was a testament to their passion for antiques and their dedication to building a truly unique collection.