Federal Maple and Mahogany Inlaid Lap Desk

Description:

Federal Maple and Mahogany Inlaid Lap Desk, Newport, Rhode Island, c. 1810, the top centering a rosewood star and oval within a rectangle of stringing, and corner quarter fans and rosewood edging, on conformingly inlaid case, the facade centering a shield, the sides with small drawers fitted with brass bail pulls, on a later mahogany base, refinished, 7 1/4, wd. 20 3/4, dp. 11 in.

Provenance: Dr. Charles Cotton, a surgeon aboard the USS Constitution. Dr. Cotton is mentioned in the USS Constitution ship's log on 22 March 1814 as having exercised at general quarters. Dr. Cotton received his commission on March 24, 1812. Family tradition was that this desk taken by Dr. Cotton, was used aboard the USS Constitution. Purchased by the present owner from the deaccessioning of Dr. Cotton's home in Newport in December 1977.
Estimate $1,500-2,500

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