New York Federal butler's desk attributed to Michael Allison, mahogany and finely figured mahogany veneers, with poplar secondary wood. Rectangular veneer-banded top over three cockbeaded short drawers with round brass pulls, over a finely veneered and inlaid drawer front that drops down to form a writing surface; bird's eye maple veneered interior, fitted with 11 small drawers and a central propect door flanked by two "hidden" document drawers and four open cubby holes. Under the desk section are three graduated long drawers with likely original oval brass pulls over a serpentine skirt inlaid with satinwood or birds eye maple band, and four flaring "French" feet. Plain one board sides. All drawers dovetailed. Provenance: St. Louis, MO estate, purchased 1970 from a New York dealer. 50 3/4" H x 47" W x 21 7/8" D. New York, circa 1810. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Cracks along top and veneer loose along front edge. Sections of front feet replaced. Some blocks on base replaced. Two-inch veneer loss front left apron. Repaired split left side near rear. Scattered veneer and molding losses to front of case. Plastic bag inside a drawer contains pieces of broken veneer.