Collection Highlights
French press
1812-1819
1943.368
Mahogany, mahogany veneer; yellow poplar, white pine, brass, plaster
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Desk
Object name
Desk
Date
ca. 1788
Medium
Mahogany; pine
Dimensions
Overall: 29 1/2 x 34 5/8 x 71 in. ( 74.9 x 87.9 x 180.3 cm )
Description
Mahogany Federal pedestal desk used in Federal Hall; veneered mahogany top screwed into rails and medial braces from below; two banks of drawers flanking central drawer, each bank consists of three graduated drawers supported on four tapered columnar legs with stop-fluting and bulbous feet, three carved bosses on stiles above legs; false drawer fronts on opposite side; three scratch-beaded panels on sides of desk mirror drawer fronts, filled-in holes on sides are evidence of removed brasses; each drawer has what appear to be original brass bail handles and lock with brass keyhole; possible repairs to top and inner case structure with newer wood.
Credit Line
Gift of the Corporation of the City of New York
Object Number
1837.1
Gallery Label
This desk was part of the furnishings of Federal Hall, the home of the First U.S. Congress. While similar, the desk is not an exact copy to 1837.2. The furniture has sometimes been attributed to Pierre L'Enfant, the architect of Federal Hall, but this has not been substantiated. Other pieces from Federal Hall are in the Museum of the City of New York.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
