DESK

Date1797

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Botetourt County

MediumWalnut, tulip poplar, and yellow pine

DimensionsOH: 43 3/4"; OW: 41"; OD (closed): 27 9/16; OD (open): 37 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1975-198

DescriptionSlant top desk over four graduated drawers with cockbeaded front edges, the uppermost flanked by full height lopers, over base molding and shaped bracket feet; desk interior consists of a central prospect door that opens from right to left flanked on each side by four pigeon holes with dividers with a "C" shaped cut out, over two rows of two small drawers; behind prospect door is a low shelf and small drawer, with a secret compartment below accessed by sliding bottom board forward.Inscription(s)Large chalk inscriptions on bottom of desk bottom board including "1797/ [S or T.L.?] Murphey". Ink numerals (on drawer bottom?) "4..17..8".Mark(s)Roman numerals chiseled inside drawer fronts of small interior desk drawers (probably not original).ProvenancePurchased from the William Lewis House at Sweet Springs, Monroe County, West Virginia in the mid 1960s.