Desk and Bookcase

Object Name:

Desk and Bookcase

Object ID:

1967.001.01

Creator:

Wardwell, Solomon (1743-1825) -- Cabinetmaker

Place of Origin:

Nelson, NH

Date:

circa 1800

Description:

Desk and Bookcase. Attributed to Solomon Wardwell (1743-1825), Nelson, NH, c. 1800. Slant front; bookcase section has flat top, cove-molded cornice, and two flat panelled doors. Candle slide below each door. Ovolo and scotia molding is applied around front and side edges of desk top, into which the bookcase fits. The sloped lid is constructed with transverse end cleats and supported on slides when open. Four markedly graduated drawers with molded edges in main case of desk. Each drawer has an oval stamped brass escutcheon and two brass handles, each composed of an oval plate with a stamped oak leaf and acorn design and a bail. Brass knob on each lid support. Base has a scotia and ovolo molded upper edge and bottom cut to form four straight bracket feet and a central drop with carved fan design. Stepped interior with three drawers at center, on each side of which are two drawers surmounted by two small and one large pigeonholes with arched heads. The three superimposed drawers at center have recessed fronts, the uppermost having a carved fan. Brass knobs on the interior drawers. Three fixed horizontal shelves in the bookcase section with several fixed vertical partitions between the shelves, the number and arrangement of partitions varying from shelf to shelf. The oval brass escutcheon on the desk lid differs from those of the drawers. An inset brass keyhole is on the left bookcase door.
Full bottom board. Large chalk inscription on back of bottom drawer: "E(?) Wardwell". All drawers are numbered several times - main drawers in chalk; interior drawers in ink. Handwritten statement of history by the donor pasted in one interior drawer. Cut nails were used in construction. Dovetails at back of interior drawer extending beyond back of drawer, rounded at ends. Steel lock is on each of the three upper drawers. "Blind" escutcheon on bottom drawer. Brass and steel locks on desk lid and left cabinet door. Two interior brass and steel catches on right door. Several rectangular patches in the wood, apparently where knots were removed. One backboard joint is partially covered with fabric inside and out. Upper portion (cabinet) extends ~0.5" beyond the desk (perhaps the bookcase cabinet is an early add-on to the desk).

Material:

Wood
Brass
Steel

Dimensions:

H-78.75 W-37.625 D-20.875 inches

Provenance:

Believed to have been made by donor's great-great grandfather, cabinetmaker Solomon Wardwell of Nelson, NH.

Credit Line:

Bequest of Lillian Florence Wardwell

People:

Wardwell, Solomon (1743-1825), Wardwell, Lillian F. (1869-1966)