Writing desk

1770–1780

Mahogany, brass, textile, leather, paper, metal, wax

Overall: 8 1/8 × 20 5/8 × 12 3/4 in. (20.6 × 52.4 × 32.4 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Edgar Saltus

1917.6

DescriptionRectangular mahogany writing desk with rosette mounts with bail handle on each side and keyhole on top; front quarter segment of desk opens out from middle of top to lie even with bottom, forming slanted writing surface covered in green textile, and revealing front of static frame, divided into drawers; front half of writing surface can be folded back to reveal narrow compartment containing leather wallet with four slips of cardboard and sealing wax on paper; top half can be folded back to reveal larger compartment extending to back of desk, with bottom covered in brown paper, under drawers with brass pulls dangling from knobs; one drawer divided into eight smaller compartments.

Markingswritten: in ink under front of writing surface: "Henry Giles/from his/mother/New York/April 29/1821" written: in pencil under other half of writing surface: "$ 86 + 3 = $ 89 [underlined]" written: in ink on verso of tag tied to drawer pull: "Giles 350 West 115th St/up stairs" written: in ink on reverse of tag tied to drawer pull: "350 W 115th St"; in pencil on same: "Writing Desk/formerly the property of/Aquila Giles/Presented by Mrs/Edgar Saltus/Oct. 14. 1917" printed: at top of slips of cardboard: "THURSDAY"; "SATURDAY"; WEDNESDAY"; "SUNDAY" written: in pencil on slips of cardboard: various names, places, and appointments

ClassificationsFURNITURE