$984
Blue-painted Desk Box on Stand, possibly Chester, New Hampshire, early 19th century, the lift-top opens to a deep well and sits on a taper-leg stretcher base, (imperfections and paint wear), ht. 37 1/2, wd. 34, dp. 24 3/4 in. Literature: The Impecunious Collector's Guide to American Antiques , by John T. Kirk, Knopf, 1975, fig. 53; The Impecunious House Restorer: Personal Vision and Historic Accuracy , by John T. Kirk, Knopf, 1984, fig. 183. Note: There is a stamped metal tag reading, "CHESTER N.H.," which Kirk concludes indicates an association with and use in the Chester, New Hampshire, post office. Regarding the design of the base, Kirk points out a parallel of proportion between the rectangular shape of the desk box and the corresponding rectangular shape of the legs and stretchers. He suggests that this was a particularly ingenious design decision on the part of the original craftsman that lends this desk-on-stand a certain sophistication and success.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-08-11
