A handsome Federal mahogany antique secretary desk, probably Southeastern Massachusetts, circa 1815.

This attractive antique Sheraton secretary desk was produced in the Federal manner with abundant contrasting inlays and beautiful figured mahogany. Blind door secretary desks such as this were extremely popular during the Federal period and are still just as useful 200 years later. Three small drawers, each with an elaborate façade, of rosewood cross banding around a bird’s eye maple panels line the top. Below the drawers are three conforming cabinet doors, the center door with a birds eye maple panel. The outside doors have a richly grained mahogany panels with flame birch borders. Inlayed pilasters with a mahogany border around a flame birch panel flank the blind doors. Each cabinet has a fitted interior with drawers and cubbies. Below the secretary top is a fold over writing surface with a baize writing surface. The chest section has four graduated drawers with original pressed brass hardware and cockbead surrounds. The drawers are decorated with vibrantly figured book-matched mahogany panels with lightwood borders. The secretary desk has a shaped skirt that joins the baluster turned feet.

Dimensions

Height: 55"; Width: 40 ½”; Depth: 18 ¾”