Desk and bookcase

Date1750-1790

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Caroline County

MediumBlack walnut and yellow pine.

DimensionsOH: 89 3/4"; OW(feet): 41"; OD(feet): 24"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-742

DescriptionDesk and bookcase: Upper section: flat top; molded cornice; two doors at front, each composed of a single, fielded panel secured with two hinges and with original brass escutcheon; interior consists of six pidgeon holes across top (each panel secured with scalloped pendant); two adjustable shelves with series of slots to receive them at each side, and at bottom three drawers equally spaced over the width of the base.

Lower section: hinged writing surface supported by stop at each side, each with original pull; interior consists of central door flanked on each side with four pidgeon holes above two drawers above two drawers at left (one drawer at base at right); drawers of base graduated in height and each the width of the base except for two drawers in second row from top; molded bracket feet; drawer stops throughout base.Inscription(s)Penciled on back in period script "Larkin Hundley", "John A. Jesse," and "William Saddler". Each name appears twice. Inscriptions deciphered with the aid of an infrared video camera.