A Chippendale cherry secretary bookcase . New England . 18th century
1129W
Property of another owner
A Chippendale cherrywood secretary desk-and-bookcase
probably Massachusetts
late 18th century
Interior small drawer stamped three times E.SMITH.
height 88 3/4in (225.5cm); width of cornice 38in (98cm); depth of base molding 21in (53.2cm)
Estimate:
US$ 10,000 - 15,000
£6,600 - 9,900
€7,800 - 12,000

Footnotes

  • This desk-and-bookcase was undoubtedly made by the same maker of a Federal work table bearing the identical stamp and sold at Sotheby's, New York, October 9, 2007, lot 498. Though his precise identity is unknown, he was highly skilled as a cabinetmaker and this desk-and-bookcase features a sophisticated interior section with stepped short drawers, scalloped valances and a shell-carved prospect door.

    Tempting as it may be to attribute this desk-and-bookcase to Eliakim Smith (1735-1775), this piece demonstrates neither the construction practices associated with his shop nor the decorative elements that are a hallmark of the body of work attributed to him.

    Provenance:
    Burdet Oelschlegel, Terryville, CT
    Marcia Ormondroyd, Burlingame, CA

Category: Furniture / American Furniture, Folk Art and Decorative Arts

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Sarah Hassan Bonhams
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Auction Administration - American Furniture, Folk Art and Decorative Arts
Madelia Ring Bonhams
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Specialist - American Furniture, Folk Art and Decorative Arts