Object: Walnut Writing Table
Dimensions: Width 25 3/8″ x Depth 21 1/4″ Height 27″
Maker: Unknown
Location: Southeastern Virginia
Date: circa 1765 – 1780
Commentary: Small, single drawer tables such as this example were used for dressing, writing or reading and were a common furnishing in the southern colonies. Hurst and Prown illustrate several similar tables in Southern Furniture 1680-1830 and link the plain, rectilinear design accented with scratch beading to the Chesapeake region. The simple lines and minimal ornamentation clearly relate to the “Chinese” taste made popular by Thomas Chippendale.
The single board walnut top is secured to the frame, also walnut, by screws. The legs are tenoned and pinned to the frame and the drawer guides are nailed into the sides. The drawer sides and back are constructed of yellow pine and are dovetailed at the front and back. The two-board bottom, one piece yellow pine and one an unidentified wood, is nailed into a rabbet across the front and back panel and flush nailed to each side. The simple brass pull appears to be original.
Condition: The table survives in excellent condition. It appears that the top may have warped slightly and the underside was kerfed in order to flatten the board. The tabletop and the drawer front have old scars and repairs. One or both bottom boards of the drawer may be old replacements and there appear to have been expected repairs made to the drawer runners on both sides.
Price: Sold
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