This important chippendale slant front desk shows expert craftsmanship and has great local provenance. The slant front presents a well chosen and pleasing grain on the lid which opens to a wonderful upside down interior of seven drawers over seven cubby holes. The case features four drawers with alternating grain direction which creates wonderful balance. The top top three drawers have locations for locks while the bottom drawer does not. The brass is original and has a beautiful federal sunburst design. Finally, the case is terminated by four sturdy bracket feet.
Provenance:
The top backboard of the chest is inscribed "Jonathan Dow"in chalk. The name likely refers to Jonathan Dow who was born in Salisbury, MA in 1737 and lived later on in southern New Hampshire. Jonathan was a preacher by profession and his house that he had built in 1775 in Weare, NH still stands. It is likely that this desk was made specifically for that house.
This chest was sold at an auction in Gloucester, MA in 1979 and an advertisement of that sale with an image of the chest is present.
Condition:
The hinges and one of the vertical ends on the lid have been replaced. The left front and left rear bracket feet have been repaired with the original parts and the right rear foot is missing a chip of wood. The third drawer is missing its lock.
