Fall Front Desk, 1700-1730

Summary

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

Fully Furnished
 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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