During the first quarter of the 19th century, there were a number of cabinetmakers working in lower Manhattan aside from Duncan Phyfe, such as Michael Allison, Deming and Buckley, Meeks and Son, Edward Holmes and Simeon Haines, the latter two ultimately merging. See “Cabinet- makers in the Empire New York City” by Erik Rimi, Antiques Magazine, May 2005 p.124-129.
This Classical secretary—the only one known with a Holmes label prior to his merger with Haines—is a historically important piece as few are known, and none with the stature of this secretary bookcase. This piece came to me through a dealer and friend, Aileen Minor, who was also interested in the Classical period.
If it were just the label, I would have passed it, but it was not. This was a beautifully crafted secretary bookcase with an elegant arched glass fenestration. There are freestanding upper and lower columns supporting both upper and lower cases with large stenciled plinths. Interestingly, instead of the common flat cornice fashionable at the time—which to me is boring—there is an arched earlier styled pediment with stenciled plinths.
The mahogany throughout is of the highest quality. Especially of note are the door fronts on the lower case. These were composed of beautifully matched panels of highly figured mahogany. The paw feet are oversized and deeply carved exhibiting the work of a master.
This was no ordinary Classical (Empire) secretary; it is special and I’ve seen enough to know the best. Furthermore, with the label of its maker, it was definitely a keeper documenting work produced in New York at the time.
I must add that this secretary was acquired without its finials which is often the case with many antique pieces. These are small, often brass, plug attachments that are never glued; consequently they become lost over time. Many museum pieces have replaced finials on their examples and this was not a deal breaker for us as replacement has to be measured against the rarity and quality of the piece.
Regarding missing parts in general, Albert Sack always used the example of the Venus de Milo with her missing arms. This always puts things in perspective when considering something to collect. One has to look at the rarity and singularness of a piece notwithstanding its beauty and timelessness. In the world of Classical furniture, I have dismissed many pieces if they were not perfect in every way and of the best, but everything has to be put in perspective, and this secretary was no exception because relatively speaking replaced finials are a small matter, unless you want to make it a big one.
In the case of our secretary, I had it brought to Alan Anderson, one of the finest cabinetmakers located in Pennsylvania who does work for Christie’s and others desirous of the best work and authentication.
Alan was very impressed with this secretary and he carved magnificent finials to express its overall beauty and stateliness. While I could use small brass understated finials, I was thrilled to have Alan show his craftsmanship and understanding of this secretary in a Classical finial mode par excellence…Why not?
Height: 98 in. Width: 42 in. Depth: 23 ½ in.
Revised Jul 19, 2025, 3:56 PM