Newport, Rhode Island, 1765-1785, finely grained dense figured mahogany throughout, white pine and red cedar secondary, interior with central shell carved prospect door, opening to three drawers, 41 x 42 x 23-1/2 in. - Provenance: Wayne Pratt, Woodbury, Connecticut, purchased January 1993 for $21,000 (accompanied by copy of receipt with attribution to John Townsend), The Pratt receipt notes that the desk descended in the family of the original owner in Massachusetts.; Private Virginia Collection very good condition overall, roughness to edges of fall board, very minor crack at one fall board hinge, minor shrinkage crack at one case side, original feet and most blocking with typical cracks and repairs at foot facings (one front side facing with repair with some later color retouch), some later screws and one later iron brace to foot blocking (see detailed photos)