Newport, Rhode Island
An extremely rare refined small size William and Mary desk retaining original bun feet, and brasses. The desk interior displays an outstanding stepped-out composition; exceptionally grained fall down prospect door [original functioning lock] that opens to reveal three drawers and a hidden well. The birds head and bump out-scrolled dividers [Rhode Island tradition] are quite sophisticated and deep…working in concert they produce an interesting interior. The interior concept featuring projecting drawers and vertical partitions at the ends is closely related to a New Bedford Quaker made desk displaying the same Rhode Island concept shown and discussed in Harbor and Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts 1710-1850 by Brock Jobe, Gary Sullivan, and Jack O’Brien, catalog no. 69, pp 201, 202, 203.
The fall-front writing surface is above four graduated drawers and a molded base raised on outstanding bun feet of exceptional form, color, and condition. The ball foot profile was inspired by Philadelphia/Quaker shop traditions…the turning vocabulary was exported to Newport and Eastern Connecticut by quaker makers.
The desk was purportedly owned by the Gardnier family [closely engaged with Newport Quakers] of Long Island, New York; acquired by a private collector in 1998 then to AAAWT.
Item Date: 1730-1740
Measurement: Height: 42.5"; Width: 36"; Depth: 19.5"; Writing Height: 31.5"
Material: Cherry, poplar, white pine
Item Condition: Excellent original condition including brass hardware and feet; restoration to rear foot blocks, left side base molding, an interior drawer and partial single loper molding.
SKU 621-186
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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