An Inlaid Mahogany Hepplewhite Secretary, Portsmouth, c.1800

This small scale Hepplewhite secretary is quite special and out of the ordinary. It has unusual bellflower inlay at the top of the legs, which is rarely seen in this form, and the inlay along the legs showcase a fine, rosewood panel which is also used to band the drawers. Note the wonderful checkered inlays at the cuff of the feet and at the base of the drawers as well as on the edge of the desk lid, continuing entirely around the lid, and not just the front, as is common.