New England Chippendale mahogany blocked and shell carved slant front desk, white pine and poplar secondary. Consisting of a fall front lid resting on two pull out slides, a fitted interior with four shaped pigeonholes above four drawers to each side with central bank of four drawers, the top drawer with urn carving, four graduated and dovetailed block front drawers with bail brass pulls, a molded base and carved ball and claw feet. 45 1/2" H x 40 1/2" W x 20" D. 3rd qtr. 18th century.

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Older refinished case with wear commensurate with age and use. Patches to upper right side edge, to lid hinges, and old repaired break to one corner of the lid. Lid with two escutcheons, not original, and one added to "compliment" the other. Some drawer sides built up, some replaced glue blocks to base. Returns on the two front feet on the underside of the front base molding may be old replacements. A couple of bail handles loose, pull for one loper missing. Insect damage noted to the lower backboards, losses along the lower back edge and base. The top drawer with a carved urn in the center drawer area of the desk interior appears to be a later but old replacement. Some pigeonhole valences appear to be replaced. Brasses possibly original.