Flat Top Secretary
circa 1760-1790 While country desks were plentiful in 18th Century New England, secretary desks appear to have been much less common. Our secretary is one of the finest country versions. The piece is fitted with a fan-carved, stepped and serpentine interior. There are 11 small drawers and 3 secret compartments in the lower interior section. The upper section is fitted with 3 small drawers and 2 removable shelves. The use of the raised panel "tombstone" doors is characteristic of the Queen Anne nature of this desk/bookcase. As on most of the finer secretaries, candle slides emerge just below the bottom of the 2 doors. We judge the original of this piece to be from Connecticut, near the Rhode Island border. Height 78 1/4" Width 37" Depth 22" Writing Height 30 1/2" Wood: Available in Tiger Maple or Cherry Shipping Estimate $2000
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Eldred Wheeler has made handcrafted 18th century reproductions for 40 years. Founded by Emmett Eldred and Bill Wheeler in the 70's - the company was one of the first to build fine 18th century handcrafted reproductions of pieces built in the late 1700's outside major urban areas in New England. This was the first truly original American Furniture created in the colonies.
We select and use fine cherry and tiger maple boards and handplane every surface with scrapers to replicate the patina of an original of the period. We have a famous for our finish which involves many steps including application of water based stains, shellac, lacquer, and a special toner. Our brass is all hand-filed brass from the finest reproduction brass makers.
A book was written about us by founder Emmett Eldred called "Eldred Wheeler: A Collector's Guide" If you are looking for fine reproductions that in every way replicate an antique made in New England - we are your solution. Our pieces actually bring more at auction than do originals! Famous for finely figure tiger maple wood - we will actually make nearly any piece you select in paint, cherry, tiger maple, or mahogany.
Eldred Wheeler offers custom services and custom work for our customers including special hand carving and variations on existing pieces we make or a special piece you wish produced.
We also do work in more contemporary product including pieces with metal hand welded bases, live edge and slab furniture, and reclaimed wood furniture. Call us to get a quote today on your project! Eldred Wheeler Collectors have filled their houses with our product for decades for a reason. Our pieces have intrinsic value that never fades.
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