Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Desk-and-Bookcase, Salem, Massachusetts, circa 1770

appears to retain the original cast brass hardware, retains a dark rich historic surface and the original glazed prospect door.

Secondary woods include white pine Finials original. Old breaks to pediment and tympanum. Repair to upper lip of lid. Pulls original. Old break to proper left rear foot.
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.

Retaining an old historic surface and its original brasses and escutcheons, this block-front desk-and-bookcase exhibits a high quality design and construction typical of the best North Shore craftsmanship. The scallop shell centered in the skirt and the extended bulging brackets of the feet are characteristics associated with Salem, where makers produced case pieces that often surpassed their Boston counterparts in their level of craftsmanship. The elaborately deeply fielded scalloped bookcase doors, density of the brilliantly figured mahogany, and refinement of the claw and ball feet contribute to making this desk an exceptional example of the form. The bonnet openings are outlined with an incised line. The uppercase section has a complex interior with an upper row of valenced pigeonholes above shelving flanked by double rows of valenced pigeonholes. It is unique for its glass fronted prospect door, which reveals the fan carved blocked drawers behind.

For a similar block-front desk-and-bookcase, see one in the Layton Collection at the Milwaukee Art Museum attributed to the Boston area with a dentil architrave, highly figured and deeply fielded bookcase doors flanked by pilasters, and a related desk interior in the upper and lower case. Another desk and bookcase with these same characteristics but also with a blocked lid is signed by John Chipman of Salem. It was sold in these rooms, Important Americana from the Collection of Diane and Norman Bernstein, The Lindens, Washington, DC, January 22, 2006, sale 8160, lot 71.