Fall Front Desk, 1700-1730
Add to SetSummary
In the early 1700s, prosperous, yet frugal New England merchants showed off their wealth and good taste through functional objects, like furniture. This desk served as place to store important documents and valuables. It has numerous lockable drawers and several secret compartments. The fashionable and expensive walnut burl veneers make this object suitable for display in a parlor, where guests would be impressed.
In the early 1700s, prosperous, yet frugal New England merchants showed off their wealth and good taste through functional objects, like furniture. This desk served as place to store important documents and valuables. It has numerous lockable drawers and several secret compartments. The fashionable and expensive walnut burl veneers make this object suitable for display in a parlor, where guests would be impressed.
Artifact
Slant-front desk
Date Made
1700-1730
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished
Object ID
26.5.3
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Norway spruce (wood)
Mahogany
Maple (Wood)
Color
Brown
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 38 in
Width: 37.5 in
Depth: 19.5 in
Inscriptions
On bottom of secret drawer: S. Abbott/ 1851
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