This delicate Sheraton style desk lap desk rests on tall slender reeded legs. For such a small desk of only 31 inches wide it has doors designed within a mullion of six delicate gothic arched panels of wavy glass. Also within the upper case is a set of drawers of contrasting maple above a set of pigeon holes. The glass doors are all banded outside in contrasting maple.
The cornice of this secretary is inlaid with a string design typical of its New Hampshire origin and of provincial pieces north of Boston.
The case below is constructed in the style of the traditional lap desk. This form has what appears as a drawer that is not functional, but is hinged and opens to reveal a leather lined writing surface with interior drawers that retain their delicate original ivory pulls. Further the writing surface is also hinged to open to a good sized storage compartment below. A functional independent drawer is constructed below. All of the drawers are banded in contrasting maple. Only the lower drawer retains its original oval handles.
This secretary is pictured in American Antiques from the Israel Sack Collection,Vol. 5.
I vividly remember acquiring this piece at Israel Sack’s Gallery in New York well over 40 years ago. It was the first piece of “serious” furniture we acquired in New York when I was first starting to branch out. I still remember Albert Sack saying to us “you’re not trying to build a collection on this?” (Albert wanted to sell us one of those full scale expensive masterpieces produced in the major Colonial seaport cities.)
Nevertheless, I believe this form of laptop secretary belongs in our collection as a style of desk construction in itself that was widely used throughout Colonial America. It also shows transition to the later Classical style with its Sheraton reeded legs that are beautifully turned and shapely tapered. Yes, Albert, there are petite masterpieces and the eye is in the beholder!
Related Images: Bill of sale and description from Israel Sack, Inc.: image of desk from American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, Vol. V.
Height: 64 ½ in. Depth: 31 in.
Revised Wed, Aug 20, 12:35 PM