Queen Anne - George II transitional secretary or desk and bookcase, two part construction, bookmatched oyster and burl walnut veneers on oak secondary wood, molded double bonnet top over conforming doors with glass fronts, opening to three fixed shelves. Assymetrical desk section has oyster veneered fall front opening to a fitted, stepped interior with inlaid prospect door and sliding lid over central well. Four feather-crossbanded veneered drawers with bank of short drawers on right side; bracket feet; old, possibly original engraved pulls. 84 1/2" H x 38 1/2" W x 21"D. English or Dutch, circa 1725. Provenance: The estate of Peter Fyfe, Nashville, TN, ex-Michael and Claire Higgins Antiques, Atlanta, Ga. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition
Bracket feet are old, possibly original, with some missing blocking. Replaced escutcheons on top drawers, missing escutcheon on central prospect door, shelves may be replaced. Glass doors originally held mirrors. Interior lined with old fabric. Some replaced areas of mid-molding. Old repaired split to fall front; leather writing surface is a replacement. Scattered veneer chips, patches (including on desk around original hinges), losses and cracks, but overall very good condition. Remnants of paper on back.