This attractive slant front desk features superior dense mahogany and distinctive pattern inlay. The form of these inlays and specific layout of the interior tie this desk to a labeled example shown in Magazine Antiques, June 1988. That desk, offered by Leigh Keno, bears a label which reads “William Sinclair, Cabinet Maker, Flowertown 1803”. The alternative spelling is of a borough in Springfield Township just ten miles north of Philadelphia. The high quality of construction and choice materials identify this desk as the product of an urban cabinetmaker producing furniture for an affluent clientele.
The desk has a slant front with a fine line-inlaid border with ovolo corners. This lid opens to reveal a writing surface with an elaborately fitted interior set with satinwood veneered and inlaid fronts. The symmetrical interior is comprised of matching banks of drawers, below cubbies set with shaped valences, centering a prospect door and two blind document drawers. The fronts are veneered with vibrant satinwood, contrasted with black line inlay with rounded ends. The center door has an oval figured mahogany panel and opens to a small lower drawer and a hidden valence drawer. Along the base of the bottom of the interior is a distinctive inlaid border comprised of contrasting diamonds. The layout and treatment of this interior closely relates to the labeled Sinclair desk advertised by Keno. [see attached]
The desk is above a case of four graduated drawers that are fitted with pressed oval brasses. The drawer fronts have pronounced figured mahogany fronts and feature shield-form ivory lock surrounds. The sides of the case are chamfered and also feature the same diamond inlay seen in the interior. Again, this pattern relates to that of the labeled example. The base has a bold chevron pattern inlay above a shaped apron and flared French feet.
Sold.