Miniature Desk

Date1720-1750

OriginAmerica, North Carolina or Virginia

MediumWalnut, maple, cherry, oak, tulip poplar and cypress

DimensionsOH: 22 3/8"; OW: 22 5/8"; OD: 11 5/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Raymond C. Power

Object number1970-1

DescriptionMiniature desk with slant front with narrow, rectangular top dovetailed to sides; rectangular lid, molded on lower, outside edge, opens on two butt hinges and supported when opened by two rectangular slides with molded front edges with central brass knobs; interior has plain, oak shelf below a row of six pigeonholes which in turn rest on three small drawers, each with a central, brass knob; drawers rest on a narrow, raised molding; exterior of desk has plain straight sides; front composed of three, full-length, graduated drawers each with molded edges and lacking brasses; broad, base molding on front and sides; desk supported on four large, molded flattened ball feet on pads.ProvenanceDesk acquired by source from "The Ridge" in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Montgomery County. "The Ridge" was built about 1750 or 1755 by Col. Zadock Magruder and has been owned continuously in the family. The desk was obtained from Mrs. John Muncaster in 1938. Mr. Muncaster was a direct Magruder descendant (son of Hannah Magruder Muncaster).