Antique 1825-1835 American Empire Drop Front Secretary Bookcase . Same Period as Key West Museums

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American Empire 2 piece Secretary appears similar to styles in 1833 Joseph Meeks catalogue, though I believe was made by … Read more American Empire 2 piece Secretary appears similar to styles in 1833 Joseph Meeks catalogue, though I believe was made by master cabinetmaker not by the Meeks factory in New York.. Meeks pieces, are quality, but show the beginnings of mass production; this has more high quality handwork; which is why I have dated it 1825-1835. Meeks pieces usually have square of rectangular glass, this has 2 pairs of Trinity Gothic glass. i suspect it was made for use in an Episcopal church, or for a bishop. Trinity windows are RARE. I welcome any opinions regarding that date.
There is a very similar piece labelled Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase, someone else is selling at a much higher price, possibly made by the same master cabinetmaker.. This is an unusually nice antique that has brought me historical pleasure for decades. It is similar to furniture in key West museums. The area around glass shows high quality hand work. It has original flame or burled mahogany. It has one shelf in top, notches in back indicate it may have originally had more.. It has 2 drawers in lower section with knobs that originally held cut mirrors in center. There is a secret or cavetto drawer with no knobs, opened by opening the drawer below. When it is open, the secretary desk folds open onto it.. Upper section has 3 small drawers.. I have had some drawers restored by a good cabinetmaker, with original looking material, so all drawers work. One piece of glass is cracked but not broken.. some repars are needed, easily done by a good cabimetmaker. the screws in left window have pulled out of wood, so glass door assembly needs re installed. the ancient glue holding somedecorative attachments has failed, and some other small repairs are needed, but it has served me well for 40 years, and should continue for future generations. Please contact me with questions or further details.
Lower base section is 46 inches high, 36 inches wide, 24 deep. Upper section is 44 inches high, 35 wide, and 24 deep. Total height is 90 inches.
Please note the mahogany veneer; this is Original American Empire, which ended about 1840, as Greek Revival houses were replaced by more ornate designs, that needed ornate furniture. Every 30-50 years Empire revives again; The 1890 version and 1920 version have straight grain or lower quality veneer; so when comparing this is the original.
I have been shipping big things all over the world for 40 years in my Jaguar business, so pack well. This will be packed in 2 custom boxes, tightly wrapped several times, then put, lower part first on a 48 inch pallet for shipping..Note, I am very good at shipping, and am very good at packing. my advice is contact me about shipping before purchase. I normally call Freightquote, you can do the same. It is not necessary to pay Chairish's shipping price, but the key on shipping big antiques is Insurance. If I arrange shipping, I am the insuror. If you arrange shipping, and you pay shipping and insurance and there is a claim; insurance company will pay you, not me. Please contact me with questions, I can advise about shipping and insurance. James Dean See less