An Inlaid Mahogany Hepplewhite Secretary, Portsmouth, c.1800

This small scale Hepplewhite secretary is quite special and out of the ordinary. It has unusual bellflower inlay at the top of the legs, which is rarely seen in this form, and the inlay along the legs showcase a fine, rosewood panel which is also used (with an additional line inlay) to band the drawers. Note the wonderful checkered inlays at the cuff of the feet and at the base of the drawers as well as on the edge of the desk lid, continuing entirely around the lid, and not just the front, as is common. There are also a number of similar inlays in the frieze below the top cove moldings. Behind the glass mullion doors are swan's neck pigeonholes, which are quite unusual and interestingly found on Newport, RI pieces .The interior drawers as well as the frames of the glass doors are also line inlaid. Another notable feature is the top of this chest, which often is found with plain secondary wood. Here, a piece of beautifully figured mahogany is used.

From all of the above, one can see this is not your ordinary Hepplewhite secretary, but an extremely well thought out and highly decorated piece, done, however, in a restrained manner, as not to take away from the overall look. This piece is in a fine state of preservation.

Height: 58 in. Width: 37 in. Depth: 20 1/2 in.

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