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RARE WOOTON-STYLE LADY'S SLANT FRONT DESK.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
RARE WOOTON-STYLE LADY'S SLANT FRONT DESK.
RARE WOOTON-STYLE LADY'S SLANT FRONT DESK. During the 19th century, Wooton was known as the "king of desks" and made what was considered the finest patented secretary in this country. Firms both here and abroad attempted to imitate Wooton's pattern, and this example is one such copy and is believed to have been produced by Henry H. Wiggers of Cincinnati, Ohio. In the Smithsonian Institute book, "The King of Desks,..", on page 16 it states that "on 6 February, 1877, Henry H. Wiggers of Cincinnati patented another variety of the Wooton-type desk. The patent specification for this desk or secretary, stipulated that it was provided with a pair of hinge covers, coupled to a sliding member in such a manner that the advancement of said slide causes the covers to open to the right and left respectively, while the retraction of the slide restores them to their normal or closed position." Also a similar desk to this example is shown in the publication. This very rare example, in the Eastlake Manor made of walnut exterior, features a slanted front with molded panels; each with grooved diagonal boards. The sides, with walnut applied ornamental plates and the base carved with quatrefoil cut outs. When the slant panels are pulled forward as the patent states, the writing surface slides out directly in front of the 'sitter'. Once opened, the interior consists of a four drawer, pigeon holed interior with both sliding sections of the doors having fitted with six pigeonholes each all decorated with an arched Birdseye façade at the top. A very handsome and ingenious Victorian walnut lady's desk. SIZE: 33-1/2" w x 23" d x 44" h. CONDITION: Desk is in old, probably original finish and structural in generally good condition. Please note: When the front is opened and the lid slides out, the rear plate to which the extender arms attach was probably originally of walnut and appears to be an old replacement. As the writing surface is slid inward, this plate disappears and of course when the desk is shut, it is totally hidden. 9-92287