Secretary Desk, 1760-1780
Add to SetSummary
American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.
American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.
Artifact
Bureau-bookcase
Date Made
1760-1780
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Made by an unknown maker in Hartford County, Connecitcut
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished
Object ID
57.76.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cherry (Wood)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Brown
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 45.5 in (Base)
Width: 40 in
Depth: 22.5 in
Height: 42.5 in (Top)
Inscriptions
Carved on back: JWL
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