Desk

Object Name:

Desk

Object ID:

1968.049.40

Date:

circa 1840

Description:

Rectangular desk or writing table of type sometimes known as a "school-master's desk." Pine, maple, and possibly other woods, painted red. Mortise and tenon construction. Top consists of a slanted lid, serving as a writing surface, hinged to a horizontal back (two hinges); slanted writing surface is covered with damask fabric (replacement -- see accession folder for sample of original) of floral weave (brown, tan, blue). Fabric on writing surface is bordered at sides with applied wooden strips, which have slightly rounded upper edges. The well beneath the lid is 6 7/8" high at the back of the desk, and 3 1/4" high at the front. Keyhole present on front rail (missing lock and hardware). Back rail is of maple. Glue blocks support upper board. Only one half bottom board present; bottom board is nailed in. Four turned legs with ring-turned necks, ring-turned anklets and cylindrical feet. Several pencil markings inside and on bottom, including partially legible inscriptions: "[V].Rock" written in cursive on upper surface of bottom, and "Lydia Wild_" on top edge of front rail. Illegible inscription on underside of bottom board. Use of cut nails as well as modern round nails. Painted red except for back rail which is not painted; evidence of an earlier coat of red under present coat.

Material:

Wood
Textile

Dimensions:

H-34.5 W-22.875 D-17.125 inches

Provenance:

Said to have been given to donor's father, Henry A. Rock (1850-1910) of Lyme and Hanover, NH, when he was 8 or 9 years old.

Credit Line:

Gift of Ethel Rock Millen

People:

Rock, Henry A. (1850-1904), Millen, Ethel Rock (1890-1980)