Desk

Object Name:

Desk

Object ID:

1970.047.02

Creator:

Gage, David (1778-1827) -- Woodworker

Place of Origin:

Pelham, NH

Date:

circa 1800

Description:

Desk. Attributed to David Gage (1778-1827), Pelham, NH; c. 1800. Primary wood: birch. Sloped lid constructed with transverse end cleats and supported on slides when open. Four graduated drawers, framed on the case with cock beads. Each drawer has two brass handles with elaborately shaped plates and bails having bulbous centers. An escutcheon on each drawer of design similar to handle plates but smaller in scale (shadows of former oval escutcheons visible). A brass knob on each slide. Applied ogee molding at base above four straight bracket feet. Escutcheon on lid matching those on drawers. Edges of lid are beveled rather than molded. Lid is recessed on the inside and has a green baize inset; black oil cloth lines rear of desk, behind the baize. Desk interior has two layers of drawers above a series of compartments and pigeonholes. Five drawers in lower layer, with three above, the outer ones being twice as wide as that at center. Each small drawer has a pencil number on rear of the front, 1 through 8, matching numbers on interiors of slots. Illegible chalk marks on backs of some drawers. A large compartment under central drawer and under each outer drawer; a pair of pigeonholes with arched heads under each of the other drawers in lower layer. Brass knobs on interior drawers. Full bottom board of cherry. Both hand-forged and hand-headed cut nails used in construction. A steel lock on each of three upper drawers; lower escutcheon "blind." A steel lock and brass catch plate on lid. Drawers numbered on backs in chalk. Several knots in drawer bottoms covered on both surfaces, using 1806-7 newspaper (probably Massachusetts). Floor of desk compartments covered with a coated fabric imitating leather. Evidence of red wash finish, which is still vibrant on leg interiors.

Material:

Wood
Birch
Cherry
Brass
Textile

Dimensions:

H-43.625 W-39.75 D-19.75 inches

Provenance:

Attributed to David Gage (1778-1827) of Pelham, NH, joiner, who was an elder brother of donor's great grandfather, Joseph Gage (1793-1874). Note in file from donor, "I have been told often by my aunt and uncle that the desk was made by their mother's uncle, one of the Gages living in Pelham, N.H., and later brought to Franklin when the family moved up."

Credit Line:

Gift of Alexis Chapman Proctor

People:

Gage, David (1778-1827), Proctor, Alexis C. (1895-1979)