Desk and Bookcase

Object Name:

Desk and Bookcase

Object ID:

1982.041

Creator:

Gould, John Jr. (1793-1840) -- Cabinetmaker

Place of Origin:

New Ipswich, NH

Date:

circa 1825

Description:

Desk and Bookcase. Made by John Gould, Jr. (1793-1840), New Ipswich, NH; c. 1825. Mahogany and mahogany veneers, with pine secondary wood. Overall veneer on a very fine construction of cabinetwork. Flat top with small molding above pair of glazed doors with diamond motifs, behind which are three shelves. Immediately below are a pair of wooden panelled doors covering three shallow desk drawers with pigeon holes beneath the outer two. Under the center drawer is a large well. Folded writing surface supported by pull-out slides. To right near the pigeon holes are three cavities, two of which are round to hold ink bottles and a long shallow cut-out for pens and pencils. Below desk portion are a pair of drawers, each half the width to the slides, with two full-width drawers below. Fluted vase turnings stand the height of lower two drawers at edges of case, with fluted caps above adjacent to the slides. Legs have similar fluting on inverted vase turnings, then rings and ball feet. Drawer fronts are framed with narrow applied strips. Ring pulls over fancy brass plates and key escutcheons are on bone. Printed paper label: "JOHN GOULD[.] J[r.] / CABINET MA[KER], Near the Meeti[nghouse, in NEW-] / IPS [WICH, manufactures in the / newest stile, all kinds of / CHERRY & MAHOGANY / FURNITURE. / Cash or Furniture give for / Cherry Boards and Plank.]".

Material:

Wood
Metal
Skeletal
Mahogany
Pine
Brass

Dimensions:

H-76 W-41.25 D-21.5 inches

Provenance:

The piece was sold at the auction of the Stephen Thayer homestead (built 1838), New Ipswich, NH, on July 15, 1975 (Richard Withington, auctioneer), to Warren and Marion Legsdin and their son. The Legsdin's lent the piece to NHHS for exhibition in 1978, and offered it for sale at that time. NHHS purchased it in 1982. Stephen Thayer has been described as one of the most successful businessmen in the history of New Ipswich, N.H., best known as a cigar manufacturer. The homestead remained in the family until the 1975 auction. See 1975.75 for a Wilder chair, also from the Stephen Thayer auction.

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Purchase

People:

Gould, John, Jr. (1793-1840), Thayer, Stephen (1803-1890)