ANTIQUE NEW HAMPSHIRE HEPPLEWHITE FRUITWOOD SLANT LID DESK WITH CLASSICAL BRASS

Description: ANTIQUE NEW HAMPSHIRE HEPPLEWHITE FRUITWOOD SLANT LID DESK WITH CLASSICAL BRASS HARDWAREWith our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this wonderful antique slant lid writing desk. We could not possibly be any prouder of the antique desk we now present as it is one of the finest examples of a traditional slant lid desk which we have ever been able to lay claim to. This desk has everything a collector could ever hope for when seeking out the perfect addition to their collection of fine American antiques. It is a product of a master furniture craftsman working in New Hampshire during the later part of the 18th century. There are many antique desks in circulation which are by all accounts rare and unique however there are varying considerations when determining just how rare an antique object is. An 18th century desk may be unquestionably rare as it retains qualities or aspects not commonly found on similar objects made within the same period. When giving due consideration to just how rare and important this desk which we now offer truly is there are several important factors which must be taken into account. The first factor worth considering is the design which the overall piece adheres to. This desk is a rare interpretation of the American Hepplewhite style with a particular influence taken from the traditional furniture of late 18th century New Hampshire. Secondly, the primary materials used to construct the desk are just as important as the overall design. At first glance we were unsure if the desk is constructed from a rare grade of maple or perhaps applewood so we consulted with our antique restorer who has a far stronger command of varying types of wood. We concluded that this desk is a variety of fruitwood, perhaps pearwood, similar to examples we have had before from Central Massachusetts and the communities situated further north in lower New Hampshire. Additionally, any attributes intended to enhance the existing elements of the desk can propel an already rare desk into an even scarcer height of collectability. This desk features eight of the rarest Classical period brass pulls we have ever encountered which we will describe in further detail in the descriptive paragraph below.The slant lid desk opens to reveal an interior complete with five drawers, six pigeonhole compartments, and two spaces for document storage. The drawer situated in the top center is constructed with a wonderful serpentine form which provides some sophistication to the primitive interior space. The lid of the desk features brass hinges, an inset lock, and breadboard ends that prevent seasonal changes or warping from occurring. The desk stands on arched spade feet which are an intriguing and rare attribute of the American Hepplewhite traditional design. The case is finished with a masterful technique that we have not previously encountered which vastly enhances the natural beauty of the fruitwood. The top of the desk features the exposed dovetailed case joinery which is important in understanding how the desk is constructed and the talents of the cabinetmaker who masterfully built this entire piece with only early hand tools. The backboards and underside of the desk have oxidized spectacularly throughout nearly two and a half centuries, and they display all the primitive charm expected of a significant early desk. Each drawer is expertly joined and fitted with brass escutcheons and important classical brass pulls. The pulls feature an embossed design of a classical woman seated upon a shoreline gazing outwards towards a sailing vessel while holding what we presume is an olive branch while a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, lay beside her next to a wooden barrel. This scenic depiction is undoubtedly an allegorical idolization with a possible connection to the successful war for American Independence which had just been secured around the time the desk was built. The brasses correspond to the original set of holes bored into the drawers and we can only assume the brasses are absolutely original. We strongly feel these brasses are significant in their own right and are collectively worth more than what we are offering the entire desk for. It is no secret that antique dealers seeking to squeeze every ounce of profit from an item commonly strip furniture of their brass and sell them off separately to realize the highest price possible. We are strongly against this practice as we feel immensely fortunate to be able to participate in the practice of collecting and selling antiques and feel a certain duty towards stewardship and the preservation of historical American antiques. This desk measures 39" wide x 17 1/2" deep x 41 3/4" tall with a clearance height of 31 1/4" beneath the lid when folded downward. WELCOMEWe are a wholly owned family business in our third decade of continuous operation. We have a large inventory of fine antiques ranging from Early American, Federal, Chippendale, Empire, Centennial, Victorian, 20th Century custom mahogany, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern antique furniture along with decorative arts from across the globe. All the items we offer to the general public are high quality estate pieces. We do not offer goods with significant flaws or defects. We completely avoid items with issues. You can expect the items we sell to have reasonable wear and tear. Due to the large volume of goods we deal in we cannot describe items in minutia. We do our best to give you an accurate condition report in our description of the items. We have expert woodworkers and re-finishers on staff to service any piece of furniture we offer. We represent all merchandise in absolute good faith and to the very best of our ability. Please ask all questions, including, but not limited to, shipping costs prior to purchase. All items are sold as is and from their location. If you would like to find out about any number of our services, including appraisals and restoration, please ask us about our website for more information. SHIPPING & DELIVERIES We deliver within a 250 mile range of zip code 01105 for a low cost flat rate. We specialize in New York City and Boston deliveries at extremely reasonable rates. For items requiring shipping beyond our delivery zone, we offer freight or “Ground Services” shipping, depending on the size of the items. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States. Items will require packaging and palletizing for freight shipments. The buyer is responsible for the cost of materials only for this service. We perform this service without the cost of labor as an appreciation for your patronage. Freight class shipping is the fastest and most cost effective method of shipping large items. We can reach anywhere in America with a large shipment within 7-10 business days. We buy materials in bulk to save you excessive costs. The materials required for proper crating of items for their safe transit is so specialized we may need up to 7-10 business days to make sure we get absolutely what is required & do the best job possible. We go the extra mile by designing premium customized furniture crates for the ultimate protection of your purchase. We ship from our facility with a loading dock on a major trucking artery. This and our “volume shippers” discount creates a substantial lower cost for you. The least expensive method of shipping is business to business with loading docks. Next is a business without a dock and the last option is shipping to a resident. We are sending your shipments with freight carriers. They are not furniture movers who bring the items into your home. You are provided with curbside delivery of your shipments. We can get you special services in certain cases, but you are responsible for telling us you require them and for the extra cost of these services, if you instruct our shippers to provide services beyond curbside deliveries. We are responsible for any additional services and charged for these services. We absolutely maintain our right to collect the costs of these charges for services we did not authorize or were prepaid for. MERCHANDISE PICK UP AND STORAGEAll our customers are welcome to come to our facility to pick up their purchases free of charge. You can expect friendly help in loading your purchase in your vehicle. We ask that you come ready to transport your purchase by having ample pads or blankets to protect your item in transit. We don’t like to send nice people off with things tied to roof racks. We also do not desire to charge storage fees, but we are holding some purchases for over three years now and are under no contract to. We are not a storage facility. We are happy to hold your items for a reasonable pre-agreed upon period. Beyond or absent any specified contract a $50.00 dollar per week storage fee will apply.ON-LINE SALES/TERMS OF USEAll Massachusetts residents are subject to the 6.25% sales tax unless you possess a valid resale number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We do not accept returns so please, ask all questions prior to submitting an offer or purchasing. We have a zero tolerance policy for non-paying buyers. Any offer we accept is a binding sale and subject to the conditions herein. Massachusetts General Law applies to all sales. Bidding on and purchasing any item is under the acknowledgment of the buyer and is consent to the contractual agreement set forth herein. This agreement is in full force and effect on any item purchased through our Ebay store and on items purchased through us and our gallery. We strive to make your on-line buying experience as easy and pleasant as possible. We accept all major credit cards and are delighted to answer any questions that you may have or provide services you may need.

Price: 3675 USD

Location: Springfield, Massachusetts

End Time: 2025-02-03T21:23:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD