This handsome antique Federal desk and bookcase exhibits agreeable proportions and features high quality vibrant contrasting inlays. The bookcase has a raised gallery constructed with reeded chimneys at the outer edge and rear corners and a central raised rectangular frieze of flame birch with a cross-banded rosewood border. The treatment on this central panel is associated with the Portland cabinet shop of the Radford brothers; Benjamin, William and Daniel. These brothers were working in Portland during the first quarter of the 19th Century producing high quality Federal furniture, see “The Radford Brothers: Portland cabinetmakers of the Federal period”, Shettleworth Aug 1974. The top board of the book case, within the gallery, is decorated with a period drawing in chalk. The drawing depicts a period gentleman with a high collar, long wig and a pronounced nose to the right of an outstretched cat. The drawing covers the entire top board and was done in the cabinet shop, prior to the installation of the gallery.

Dimensions

Height including finial 81”; Width 37 ½”; Depth 21 ¾”