The bombé style was introduced in Boston and is related to continental Dutch furniture design. There is a grouping of these forms in both the desk and secretary style. They were likely made about 1780 when the revolution was winding down in Boston and newer designs were beginning to replace what had been current. Bombé furniture is very rare and when they come up and are correct, with all their parts and without major alterations or replacements, they bring very high prices at auction.
I acquired this desk from a picker that I had a long relationship with. I saw it figuratively “off the truck” as it was to go for a cleanup and then off to go to auction. When the picker, who will remain nameless, saw my passion to acquire it, he relented. He was smart enough to realize that not to let me have it would have jeopardized any future business. He agreed to sell it, and let me know he was doing me a favor …but not without a good sized pound of flesh.
It was then I had my work cut out. I commissioned Philip Zimmerman, a great authority in the field, to do a condition report which is in our file. Philip found a number of minor issues with repair to the interior drawer blades, hinge repairs, etc.
The big thing I was worried about were the feet as they often break and are lost requiring replacement and or repair. In Phillip’s report he states “the large ball and claw feet are of characteristic Boston shape, as are the knee brackets accompanying them. All the feet appear in good order.” I would not have purchased this desk if I felt this was not the case. After many years of inspecting furniture on my knees with a flashlight I knew what I was looking at. Nevertheless, for an important piece it’s best to have a thorough condition report by a noted authority. I do this to avoid unnecessary questions.
As the desk was in shabby condition visually and in need of good housekeeping, I sent it to Alan Anderson, a very fine cabinetmaker in Pennsylvania. Alan is one of the cabinetmakers relied upon by Christie’s.
The interior is complete with all its original parts. There is a full complement of shaped drawers and scalloped pigeon holes. Also there is an interesting use of striped mahogany. Philip points out “the wood used in the desk interior is especially notable …all of the drawer fronts are made of striped mahogany, a rare and attractive grain configuration. The maker oriented all of the interior drawer front boards so that the stripes run vertically.”
I was very happy to have one of these desks in our collection that meets our standards. I guess if one works at it long enough things do eventually come to you. It is also a process of knowing those out in the field that both find, restore and certify to museum standards of representation.
An examination and report on this desk was conducted by Philip D. Zimmerman, Ph.D., an eminent authority in early American Furniture. Click here for the full text of the report.
Height: 44 3/4 in. Width: 45 in. Depth: 22 in.
Revised Tue, Aug 26, 1:44 PM