An intriguing Sheraton mahogany antique secretary desk and bookcase, probably South central Maine, circa 1820.

This stunning antique Sheraton secretary desk and bookcase has an exuberant gallery pediment with bold reverse scrolled splats, with brass mounts. The gallery is fitted with reeded chimneys surrounding an arched mahogany central panel. Each of the six chimneys in this elaborate crest are fitted with an original turned mahogany urn-form finial, all resting on a dentil molded overhanging cornice. The bookcase is fitted with hinged doors, with molded mullions and gothic arched tops. The base of each window has a faux “drawer” with a square mahogany panel and brass pull.  The desk is fitted with wonderful period brass hardware decorated with a patriotic spread-wing American eagle beneath a banner of stars. Eagle brasses such as these have always been highly sought after by collectors of early American furniture. The doors open to three bookshelves above a fitted interior of drawers and open cubby holes, with shaped valences. The bookcase sits above a fold-over writing surface with a cross banded edge and an early brown, baize writing surface that is possibly original. The cabinet below the desk has three graduated drawers with figured mahogany fronts and vibrant cross banded ribbon mahogany drawer dividers. The drawers are fitted with larger brass eagle knobs similar to those above. The desk rests on wonderful turned legs with carved inverted urns. Federal antique secretary desks such as this are at home in many locations of today’s home. Most often displayed in the dining room, their drawer and display space is nicely suited to storage of serving pieces and decorative accessories. Also called a writing desk, they are equally at home in a living room or as the anchor of an entrance hall.

Dimensions:
Height including finial 86 ⅝”; Width 38 ¼”; Depth 19 ⅞”