Rare and Important Chippendale Secretary

Transitional Chippendale Bonnet-Top Secretary

New York, ca. 1755-1765.

Mahogany, white pine and poplar secondary woods.

Condition: See condition report.

The upper case has a scrolled arch and bonnet-top with carved pedal form rosettes and a central carved cartouche above scalloped shaped framed doors with inset panels and candle slides. The upper case is adorned with a carved beaded outside edge. The lower case has an applied waist molding above a slant lid opening to a fitted interior. The concave blocked interior has a shell carved prospect door with pilaster carved document drawers flanked by valances and drawers, the top drawers being shell carved. The case has four graduated thumb-molded lip drawers, the top drawer is flanked by small drawers with slides used as a desk lid supports. The case is supported by carved ball and claw front feet with well executed carved knee returns and ogee bracket back feet.

Provenance: Stuyvesant Fish-Palmer Family, Fish Head Point, New York;

Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Jackson, Larchmont, New York; Florene, Maine, sold at the Winter Antiques Show, New York, 1956; Private Collection, Connecticut.

Condition Report:

Chippendale Bonnet-Top Secretary, New York.

Ca. 1755-1765

The inset mahogany panels in the doors are replacements. After removing the panels there was evidence that the doors originally had mirrored glass plates. The center finial is replaced but the side finials are original. We assume that the center plinth was adorned by a portrait bust or cartouche. The left and right bottom portions of the back ogee bracket feet have been restored. It appears that there was a writing surface tacked to the inside lid of the desk. All other elements of the secretary are original, to include; the brass hardware, plates (four escutcheons signed; “T. Gold), lid hinges and door hinges.