On Stand

New England, probably Connecticut, 1740-1770
H. 39 in.; W. 29 in.; D. 19 in.

Provenance: E.F. Simons, 1896;
Mrs. Morgan J. Bulkeley, Hartford, Connecticut.

Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000

A prominent businessman and politician Morgan G. Bulkeley (1837-1922) demonstrated his desire to preserve and promote American heritage through his public works and in his collection. His paternal lineage traces directly to Rev. Peter Bulkeley, ( 1582/3- 1658/9), the founder of Concord, Massachusetts. Morgan's interest in Americana likely stems from his own family's rich history. His wife, Fannie Briggs Bulkeley, played a large role in assembling the family's antiques collection. In 1893, a magazine reporter commented on the house saying, "The rich antiques in the house, which the governor and his wife have collected, would excite the envy of the oldest connoisseurs (...) but the Bulkeley's special interest is in old furniture. He's the owner of the some of the most valuable specimens to be found in New England (...) the house throughout is rich in art and evidences of culture." Keno Auctions is pleased to offer objects from this noteworthy collection in our present sale.

This desk is in excellent condition. The lid has not been broken out and appears to be original and the base appears to be is original to the upper section.-- The period engraved queen anne brasses have been moved on two one drawer, possibly to allign these with the other brasses, and the cotter pins have been replaced but they are possibly original to the piece. Much of the very early or desirable original grain painting ( "mahoganizing" remains on lower case and base-- especially on cabriole legs. Three of the four strips that help support the upper section within the frame are replaced. Holes remain from the original cut nails that secured the original strips. Within the interior the valences are sycamore and appear to be original.