Secretary Desk, 1760-1780
Add to SetSummary
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
1760-1780
Creators
Unknown
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Made by an unknown maker in Hartford County, Connecitcut
![Fully Furnished](https://www.thehenryford.org/images/default-source/on-exhibit/fully-furnished.jpg?Status=Master&sfvrsn=e4a32201_4)
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished
Object ID
57.76.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cherry (Wood)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Brown
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 45.5 in (Base)
Width: 40 in
Depth: 22.5 in
Height: 42.5 in (Top)
Inscriptions
Carved on back: JWL