Secretary Desk, 1750-1780

Summary

American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.

American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.

Artifact

Bureau-bookcase

Date Made

1750-1780

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 

Fully Furnished
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished

Object ID

29.1471.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Cedar (Wood)
Pine (Wood)
American tulipwood (wood)
Walnut (Wood)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 95 in

Width: 39.5 in

Depth: 23 in

Height: 53 in  (Top)

Height: 42 in  (Base)

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