Connecticut
This desk/bookcase was featured on the PBS Antiques Roadshow [Tulsa, Oklahoma] in 2000; appraised by Leslie Keno. “This is a true survivor” Keno said of the old desk. “It has not been tampered with, the brasses and finish are perfect. It’s a 10.” Keno’s comments are taken from an article published July 9, 2000, in the Sunday Oklahoma Newspaper… the article titled “Roadshow Fans Enjoy a Find Time in Tulsa” by Don Diehl [State Correspondent].
Item Date: Circa 1770
Measurement: Overall Height: 86"; Case Width: 38"; Case Depth: 19.75"; Top Width: 36.25"; Top Depth: 10"; Writing Height: 31"
Material: Cherrywood
Item Condition: Typical minor imperfections consistent with age and generations of daily use… displays well. Appears to retain its original finish, finials, and cast brass hardware. We note that the bottom drawer bails are somewhat later; bottom drawer escutcheon is missing center finial. Patches to feet; two lip [corner] repairs to second drawer down from top. Imperfections [loss] to bottom drawer upper overhanging lip at center which doesn’t distract.
Reference: The desk was originally owned by Ephraim (1745-1813), a farmer, and Mary (Chapin) Perkins (1748-1816), who married in Lisbon, Connecticut on November 7, 1771, and later settled in Becket, Massachusetts. It stood in their house, the Perkins Mansion. After their deaths, both Ephraim and Mary were buried at the First Congregational Church in Becket. Thence by decent to their son. Origen Augustus Perkins (1785-1854) of Beckett, who married Sara Messenger (1811-1858), and lived at Perkins Mansion after the death of his parents. He was in the woolen manufacture business and was also buried at the First Congregational Church; To his son, Charles Orton Perkins (1819-1887) of Becket. who married first Joanna Snow (1824-1845) on April 13, 1842. and after her death, Olive Snow (1817-1883) on February 11. 1846. A state representative and President of the Lee and New Haven Railroad, Charles resided at Perkins Mansion and is buried at the First Congregational Church; to his son. Fred Perkins of Oswego, Kansas, an attorney, Judge and Congressman. The desk/bookcase was purchased 1931 by Mrs. Frank Wettach (died 1965) of Coffeyville, Kansas, to her daughter of Tulsa, the owner at the time of public sale by Sotheby’s – January 2004 where it was purchased by our consignor. Mr. Perkins presented a bill of sale and a notarized statement regarding the history of the desk, both of which will accompany this lot, along with genealogical information on the Perkins family and a copy of the book “A Bicentennial History of Becket Berkshire Country, Massachusetts“(1964) by Catharine Archer and Mitchell Mulholland.
SOLD
SKU 1253-25
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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