"New" Governor Winthrop Desk

[organic_smallhome]

Thanks, Duane. Yes, that is exactly what I really want (the link you provided). But unless somebody in Hollywood buys the screen rights for the book I'm now researching, it will never happen. But just for kicks, what would a piece like that actually cost?

My dining room table has sapwood in the cherry, as well. I actually kind of like the look--for informal settings. The glue-ups don't bother me (but could you define "glue-ups," just so I'm clear on the definition?). I would never have guessed about the brasses--I am happy that they aren't shiny gold brass, at least. I also think that the non-graduated drawers make the piece look a little bulky. The ogee foot is okay. I kind of didn't want the bulky feet, but I can see how the feet on this desk might look too small for it.

When you get a chance, could you post photos comparing cast brasses v. stamped and filed? I'd love to learn a little bit more about that.

I learn so much on this forum.

[organic_smallhome]

Also, what can you tell us about this piece, Duane? There's something about the feet that bothers me, but I can't put a finger on it.

[drcollie]

Also, what can you tell us about this piece, Duane? There's something about the feet that bothers me, but I can't put a finger on it.

That's a QA Desk-on-Frame, most likely a reproduction that is almost 'there' but not quite. Brasses are too large on it (see how the top drawer brass looks crammed on the drawer front?), and the drawers was usually never on the bottom in the frame (that's what is bothering you visually on the piece). Originals were in 2 pieces, allowing for easy transport. The desk lid should have battens on the end to prevent warping of the lid. Again. the gallery is important, but judging from the exterior design flaws I'd not expect much on the inside. Sometimes these were called 'Ladies Desks'.

Here's the correct form:

http://www.hapmoore.com/images/may03/qa-desk.jpg

I am always amused at cabinentmakers making 'period furniture' who don't bother to go to a museum like the MET in NYC to see what the correct form actually is.

[Nestle]

Can I just say that I completely disagree with Duane?

Here is why..........

Although you can tell that this was not a great depression era piece, it is definitely one Winthrop desk that I like. The reason is that I have a brand of furniture called Moosehead furniture in my home, that began around the same time period and your version matches that furniture almost perfectly.

Moosehead furniture went out of business a few years back unfortunately, but I continue to look for matching furniture to the brand, and your Gov. Winthrop design fits the style, the wood(almost maple), and the stain, not to mention the legs you chose to use. It is uncanny!!!!

I have loved Gov. Winthrop desks since I was a child. My grandmother had a dress shop many, many years ago, and I used to help her in her store in the summer time, and I would always go into her Gov. Winthrop desk with the bowed front when I was bored in the store, and play with the little gold stamp roll holder that held her roll of stamps. I must have cost her a mint in postage!!!!! LOL

When I see your desk, it brings me almost back in time. It is a different style, but it would match more current day style of furniture more easily. If I could afford it right now, I would buy it right this moment.........just for the memory of my grandmother.

Keep this style as you develop other styles and patterns. I think you did great!!!!

[drcollie]

Thanks, Duane. Yes, that is exactly what I really want (the link you provided). But unless somebody in Hollywood buys the screen rights for the book I'm now researching, it will never happen. But just for kicks, what would a piece like that actually cost?

My dining room table has sapwood in the cherry, as well. I actually kind of like the look--for informal settings. The glue-ups don't bother me (but could you define "glue-ups," just so I'm clear on the definition?). I would never have guessed about the brasses--I am happy that they aren't shiny gold brass, at least. I also think that the non-graduated drawers make the piece look a little bulky. The ogee foot is okay. I kind of didn't want the bulky feet, but I can see how the feet on this desk might look too small for it.

When you get a chance, could you post photos comparing cast brasses v. stamped and filed? I'd love to learn a little bit more about that.

I learn so much on this forum.

It's difficult to put a price on that desk in the photo, because one would have to see the gallery (inside of the desk). A good gallery can make or break a desk. The Bandy leg makes it rare, and probably identifies it as a Boston/Portsmouth/Manchester piece from around 1780 or so. Plus, one has to go over it to see repairs and faults. With a great gallery and in the original finish, with no replacements.. $ 100K is not out of line. But if the interior is simple, the feet have been added on, and a poor refinish, that can be worth as little as $ 10K. That's a lot of spread! Slant lid desks were very rare. Most often, many of the "Antiques" you see were not built as slant lid desks, but as Secretaries with a top case. When estates were settled, it was very common for one child to take the base of the Secretary, remove the band mold and make it a Slant Lid Desk. The Top of the Secretary went to another child and was then molded on the bottom and used as a hanging cupboard. So when shopping period slant lid desks that affects value as well - was it an original or the bottom half of a Secretary Desk?

A 'glue-up' is a panel made up from several narrow boards. Your desk has six boards in the top (and should have just one). Narrow boards are inexpensive but stable, wide boards cost a lot and require movement control skills when building. The Ogee foot on your piece is actually not too far off the form, just needs to be a bit more aggressive.

"cast" brasses are inexpensive and bulky looking. Most are not even made of real brass, but pot metal and colored gold. Stamped brasses are much finer and thinner, and the best ones have hand-filed edges. Sometimes just replacing the brasses with good ones can really improve the way a piece looks (match your bore size). Here's the three best USA-made brass sources (Ball and Ball is the most costly), though the very best brass comes out of England and costs even more, up to $ 25 per pull:

http://www.dcmitchell.org/

http://www.horton-brasses.com/

http://www.ballandball-us.com/

[organic_smallhome]

Thank you for the helpful info, Duane. That last desk you posted is lovely. Is that something that you carry?