Federal Hepplewhite 1790 Secretary Desk

Dating from the Federal or Hepplewhite period about 1790, this hand crafted secretary desk is elegant and well preserved. Mahogany with inlaid satinwood banding, the finish is very fine with a few mars and wear at the edges. Remarkably good for its age, this furniture has warm antique patina.

Sometimes called a "butler's" desk because they were used by the head butler for household accounts and records, this desk was used with a stool or standing.

Looking like a chest of drawers, it is only when the top drawer is opened, the release buttons are pressed and the front tilts forward that it appears as a desk. Inside, a saddle leather writing surface is in front of tiny drawers and cubicles inside.

Pulls are only about 100 years old and not original. Drawers have tiny hand cut dovetails and chamfered bottoms. We have no working keys for the locks. The original rough sawn back shows hand cut square nails.

Structurally sound and very usable, this historic American crafted desk was made in the New England. Dimensions are 46 1/2" wide, 22" deep, 45" tall and the writing area is 33" high.

Item # K-S2646