A Rare Diminutive (26" width) Mahogany Hepplewhite Desk with Tambour Doors, MA, c.1795, possibly John Seymour, Provenance: John Walton

It is most rare to find a desk of this size; it was obviously a custom order.  This came out of the inventory of a major Connecticut dealer, John Walton, and is in superb condition, with no alterations or modifications whatsoever.  It retains its original side pulls, which the Seymours of Boston used on many casepieces.  John Seymour (Thomas Seymour's father) is connected to the firm's earlier, less elaborate casepieces, (see Catalog Entry #1 p. 136 - The Furniture Masterworks of John and Thomas Seymour, by Robert D. Mussey) so this piece has a possibility of his hand, as it shows the work of a sensitive artisan in wood choice, note the burl veneer on the top of the lid and top section of the case piece, illustrated below.  Also note the very delicate molding stripe at the bottom of the case, etc.

This piece has been French Polished and waxed over its older surface, and has a lovely patina; it is a precious small scale tambour desk.

Also below, please find an image of early signature work in pencil script on the side of an interior drawer, telling us that "this desk belongs to Hattie..." etc.

Height: 43 in.  Width: 26 in. Depth: 19 in.