An American Queen Anne Mahogany and Pine Slate-front Desk

1750-1760

AN AMERICAN QUEEN ANNE MAHOGANY AND PINE SLANT-FRONT DESK (Newport, circa 1740-60). The drop front is fitted with four arched verticle letter slots or pigeonholes above two serpentine drawers with brass knob handles flanking a tall central prospect door inlaid with two arched decorative bands and flanked by a pair of columnar supports. Each of the supports slide out to reveal a secret letter holder, one bearing a paper label dated 1860. The ends are fitted with two graduated horizontal letter slots above similar serpentine drawers. The lower section has four long graduated drawers with contemporary brass handles and key escutcheons. The whole is raised on four short cabriole legs terminating in duck feet.

Rhode Island Furniture Archive Number: RIF462

American

Mahogany (primary); yellow poplar (drawer linings, back and bottom boards of case, and board under desk interior); pine is possibly used for the support for the lopers.

43" x 38" x 21 3/4"

Purchased by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

PSNC.1784

The John Brown House Loan Exhibition of Rhode Island Furniture May 16 - June 20, 1965 The Rhode Island Historical Society Pg. 112-113, Pl. 70.