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ATT: North Carolina Piedmont
HOA: 43 ¾"
WOA: 37 7/8"
Woods: 21 ½" (primary: walnut; secondary: white cedar, yellow pine, poplar)
Description
This desk displays the highest art of cabinetmaking produced in the region.
The over-laid top, richly figured woods, complex interior, detailed carvings
confirm this status. The form, construction, as well as choice of woods are
Germanic in origin. Established early in the Delaware Valley, cabinetmakers
traveled to the growing towns of North Carolina in the 18th century. The
one-over-two-over-three drawer arraignment relates to early desks with well
compartments accessed by a sliding cover on the interior. The candle drawers
as lid supports are often seen on desks from both regions. The interior layout
is classic Delaware Valley form. Front to back drawer bottoms, mitered drawer
corners, quarter columns, half-thickness dust boards, shell carved and
blocked prospect door, and the overlaid molded top are techniques used by
Germanic master cabinetmakers for generations. The artisans favored white
cedar and poplar for secondary while walnut was the preferred primary wood.
It's abundance and beauty offset the use of more expensive mahogany in the
region. The presence of yellow pine would suggest a North Carolina origin for
this desk. If not for the use of this southern grown wood it would easy to
confuse this desk with one from the Delaware Valley.
Condition
Repairs to the lid, door, drawer molding; replaced hinges, bed molding, feet
and blocking, and pulls (after remnants of originals).
Inscription
Bought in 1773 by John Johnson, brother of Cotton Bale Johnson.
413 Fleming Road #12 | Charleston, South Carolina 29412
843-406-9861 office | 843-364-3580 mobile
russell@buskirkrestoration.com | www.buskirkrestoration.com
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