Southern Federal walnut secretary or desk and bookcase, poplar and yellow pine secondary, constructed in two parts. Upper section: A flat top with overhanging molded cavetto cornice over two paneled cabinet doors with scratch bead edges, brass escutcheon plates and lock, brass pull, interior with three adjustable shelves. Lower section: Hinged slant-lid opens to reveal a fitted interior with two rows of eight short dovetailed drawers with figured veneers (one drawer with written script to side) over ten scalloped pigeonhole compartments. Four long graduated dovetailed drawers with beaded edges, each with brass keyhole escutcheons and brass oval mount bail handle hardware. Base with band of contrasting veneer over a scalloped skirt a top four splay feet (bottom with faint written script). Back with long vertical and horizontal overlap edge panels. A receipt from 1968 purchase available to the winning bidder. Closed: 92 1/8" H x 40 1/2" w x 21 3/8" D. Open: 92 1/8" H x 40 1/2" w x 35 1/4" D. Southern, First Quarter 19th century.

PROVENANCE: The estate of Ann H. Wells, Nashville, Tennessee. Purchased Jan. 2, 1968 from Mrs. L.A. Cox Antique Exchange, Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Original receipt available to the winning bidder.

CONDITION: Older refinished surface. Upper section: Light separation at joints to doors. some light dents and surface abrasions. Lower section: Some patch repairs (including a large patch left side of the case, one patch to prospect drawer and to the writing surface) and staining to writing surface. Some drawer sides with minimal build-up due to use. Some bead edges replaced to each drawer. Three missing locks and replaced drawer pulls. Each lower drawer with two filled holes due hardware change. Possible restoration to foot facings of French feet with contemporary block reinforcements on sides. Surface scratches and indentations, separation, stains, minor chipping, and various minor repairs.