Breakfront Desk and Bookcase, 1800-1820

Summary

This large-scale showpiece served as a wealthy businessman's home office in early 19th-century Salem, a town made prosperous by international trade and the whaling industry. The top case held his business ledgers and books. The center drawer in the lower case drops to form a writing surface and essentially becomes a work center, complete with drawers and slots for correspondence.

This large-scale showpiece served as a wealthy businessman's home office in early 19th-century Salem, a town made prosperous by international trade and the whaling industry. The top case held his business ledgers and books. The center drawer in the lower case drops to form a writing surface and essentially becomes a work center, complete with drawers and slots for correspondence.

Artifact

Bookcase

Date Made

1800-1820

Fully Furnished
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished

Object ID

26.19.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Mahogany (Wood)
Satinwood (Wood)
Brass (Alloy)

Technique

Inlay (Process)

Color

Brown
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 85.5 in

Width: 67.25 in

Length: 20 in

Inscriptions

On paper label: Edmund Johnson/...

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