Lot 287
  • 287

Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Walnut Serpentine Slant Desk, John Shearer (w. abt. 1790-1818), Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), Circa 1805

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Walnut, oak and white pine
  • Height 47 5/8 in. by Width 49 3/4 in. by Depth 23 3/4 in.
Retains its original cast brass hardware. Inscribed on: back wall of prospect compartment Shearer / Joiner / Martinsburg; proper right of removable prospect in chalk, columns of numbers; proper right roman arch drawer Shearer Joiner; bottom of writing surface board Shearer maker; top case drawer, both sides and back 1775; second case drawer on one side 1775; third drawer side and back 1775; bottom drawer, back exterior Rebuilt by 1925/ E.J. V___ Vilwig Winchester, VA; fourth drawer on back Shearer Joiner; interior of case bottom Shearer.

Literature

Elizabeth A. Davison, The Furniture of John Shearer, 1790-1820: “A True North Britain" in the Southern Backcountry, (Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press, 2011), no. 12 pp. 124-6.

Condition

Patches for old hinges on interior. Patched hole for replaced drawer pull to central interior drawer. Replaced leather. Two veneer patches to outer edge of frame around leather: approximately 2 x 1/2 inches and 1 1/2 x 1/4 inches. Replaced lock to drop front. Patch to exterior of drop front at the proper right bottom measuring 4 x 1 inch. Some minor and various veneer patches to base of desk and drawers. 3 x 1/2 inch loss to bottom of proper left side, barely visible. Refinished. Secondary wood is Oak and White Pine.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.