$3,950

A nicely proportioned New England Chippendale tiger maple slant-front desk dating to the second half of the 18th century. The desk is constructed of vividly figured tiger maple with white pine and chestnut secondary woods, consistent with an interior Massachusetts or Connecticut origin. The exceptional curl continues throughout the fitted interior and across both case sides.

The case and four graduated main drawers feature hand-cut dovetail construction. The fall front opens to a stepped-back arrangement of pigeonholes and seven small drawers centered by two turned document columns. The fruitwood skirt, likely cherry, has a shaped central drop and is supported by substantial seven-inch bracket feet.

The desk has recently undergone a careful, conservation-focused restoration intended to preserve its character while returning it to stable, functional use. A traditional hand-rubbed polymerized linseed oil-and-resin varnish was applied to restore the depth, chatoyance, and natural feel of the tiger maple, consistent with period practices. The base has been structurally stabilized with new corner blocking installed using traditional hide glue where appropriate to improve rigidity while respecting the desk's original construction.

Past repairs and alterations include rebuilt fitted-interior drawers, replacement of one main drawer bottom, and other repairs consistent with more than two centuries of continued use. The Chippendale-style unlacquered brass hardware is replaced and will develop a natural patina over time.

Overall dimensions: 36 in. W × 17 in. D × 42.5 in. H; 31 in. D with the fall open
Writing surface: 34 in. W × 19 in. D
Knee clearance: 29.5 in. from the floor to the underside of the fall front
Interior fittings: 10.5 in. H with a 3.5 in. step-back
Pigeonholes: approximately 3.25 in. W × 5 in. H