18th-Century American Queen Anne Slant-Front Desk on Frame

Details

Description

An exceptional and highly desirable Early American Queen Anne slant-front desk on frame, dating to the mid-to-late 18th Century (circa … Read more An exceptional and highly desirable Early American Queen Anne slant-front desk on frame, dating to the mid-to-late 18th Century (circa 1750–1780), likely originating from New England. Distinct from standard drop-front secretaries, this rare "desk-on-frame" configuration features a self-contained slant-front bureau structurally resting upon a beautifully proportioned, detached cabriole-leg table base.
Design & Construction
The desk is crafted from solid native hardwood—showing a warm, honey-toned amber patina characteristic of aged maple or cherry—with traditional early softwoods utilized for the interior secondary linings. The lower frame features a classic deeply scalloped apron that flows seamlessly into slender, elegant cabriole legs terminating in pad feet.
The drop-front writing slope opens via sturdy brass hinges to reveal a beautifully architectural and stepped interior theater. The interior boasts a symmetrical arrangement of open pigeonhole sorting compartments over a row of five miniature drawers with delicate button pulls. Below the slope sits a single large, deep drawer fitted with classic antique brass batwing pulls. See less