Description:

Charleston mahogany secretary desk late 18th century, rectangular molded top over secretary drawer fitted with prospect door, drawers and valanced pigeonholes, over three long graduated drawers, on ogee-bracket feet; H44 1/4" W47 1/2" D22 1/4"

Provenance: Information accompanying this piece indicates it was made for Thomas Smith (1719-1790), a wealthy Charleston banker, importer, and merchant, who was a descendant of Thomas Smith (1648-1694), a Landgrave and 10th colonial governor of South Carolina. Upon Smith's (1719-1790) death, the piece went to his granddaughters, the Grimke sisters, well-known Charleston abolitionists. The Grimke sisters left Charleston, and sold the piece to Martin Warring Simmons of Slanns Island near Edisto. At his death, the piece then went to his daughter, Isabelle Simmons King. Upon her death, the piece went to her son, Ernest W. King, Jr. Upon his death, the piece went to his daughter, Mary Hatcher. Hatcher sold the piece to a Charleston antique dealer in 1989. The present owner, of Charleston, South Carolina, purchased the piece in 1995.

Literature: Depicted in THE FURNITURE OF CHARLESTON 1680-1820 by Bradford L. Rauschenberg and John Bivins, Jr., pp.516-517, fig.NC-29d.

Other Notes: Almost no Charleston secretaries without bookcases survive, much in contrast to similar pieces of Philadelphia or the lower Chesapeake area of Virginia. Most Charleston secretaries with bookcases are fully in the Neoclassical style, while this example belongs to the period immediately following the Revolution when Rococo furniture forms had not yet seen transformation to the new style.

1993 examination by John Bivins available upon request.

    Condition:
  • Old repairs. Scratches, scuffs and nicks consistent with age and use. **Please refer to additional reports**


    *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. Condition reports are prepared by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information please read paragraph #9 of Terms and Condition of Sale.

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CHARLTON HALL DOES NOT SHIP: Charlton Hall is pleased to provide a list of shippers and packers that our worldwide base of clients has successfully used. Alternatively, you can have your own shipper handle your purchases. Please contact the shipper of your choice to arrange for packing and picking up your items. Your items will be released as soon as payment clears our bank. We request that your shipper schedules a pickup time at least 24 hours in advance; this will ensure no delays in pickup and a smooth release of your purchases. SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BIDDERS/BUYERS MAY NOT PICK UP PURCHASES UNTIL MONDAY AFTER THE AUCTION.

PACKING & SHIPPING: Please note Charlton Hall does not ship. We recommend contacting the following list of shippers for pre-purchase quotes:

Small box and crates, domestic and international shipping services:
UPS Store: 803-254-1601
Breeland Courier Service 803-936-0148 or 803-348-8846

Full domestic and international service truckers and crate services:
Artex: 800-652-7839
Atelier-4: 305-685-9797
Alexander Services: 888-656-6838
Plycon: 336-854-1832 (or) 954-978-2000
Richard Wright Ltd: 800-247-9744
US Art, Inc.: 800-872-7826
Westbrook Deliveries: 404-877-2870 (or) 843-991-6738

April 10, 2015 1:00 PM EDT
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

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