Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Block-front Slant-lid Desk

Description:

Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Block-front Slant-lid Desk, Boston, c. 1760-80, the interior with small serpentine drawers topped with fan-carving, centering a similarly carved concave prospect door with concealed drawers behind, all on the blocked and cockbeaded case of graduated drawers, and base of carved hairy-paw feet centering a shaped pendant, replaced brasses, refinished, ht. 43 3/4, wd. 40 1/4, dp. 21 in.

Provenance: William Greenleaf Boardman collection; Skinner, Inc., June 16, 1990, Lot 124; Private Collection.

Literature: Boston Furniture of the 18th Century (The Colonial Society of Massachusetts, c. 1974),p. 177, plate 81, illustrates a very similar example, now in the Karolik Collection at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

upper backboard with minor insect damage. There are secret compartments on the back of the pull-out prospect section and underneath it, concealed by a sliding door. Patch at lock to case (not lid). Missing carved rear right foot return.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.