Bidspirit auction | Very Fine American Cherry Secretary

Very Fine American Cherry Secretary Desk, PA or NJ, late 18th century - American Chippendale Cherry Secretary Desk And Bookcase Pennsylvania or New Jersey, late 18th century. Two-part cherry secretary desk and bookcase, the upper cabinet with a projecting molded cornice and carved blind-fret frieze above a pair of paneled cupboard doors. The doors open to a fitted storage interior with divided compartments, with a candle slide below. The lower case has a slant-front writing lid opening to an architectural fitted interior with small drawers, pigeonholes, shaped valances, and concealed faux-book compartments with leather spines titled “American Independence.” Below is an unusual seven-drawer arrangement retaining later appropriate batwing brasses. Raised on ogee bracket feet. Approximately 82 in. H x 42 in. W x 22 in. D. Knee clearance: 30 7/8 in. Writing surface open: 38 in. W x 26 1/8 in. D. Provenance: Michelle Linet Antiques, New Hope, PA, there acquired June 29 1995 for $ 15,500 (redacted invoice included with sale), reputedly said to have descended in a Far Hills, New Jersey family according to the bill of sale from Michelle Linet Antiques. Condition: Mellow old surface and patina. Later appropriate brasses. Minor repairs and age-related wear throughout. Right upper door with warping and repair. Small repairs to original feet. Scattered cracks, shrinkage, surface wear, and imperfections, including cracks to slant lid. Presents well.