Maryland or Virginia, possibly Annapolis, circa 1795, with distinctive scrolled pediment inlaid with a three masted sailing ship and plow centering a large wheat sheaf plinth, surmounted by carved and gilt spread wing eagle flanked by lightwood fan rosettes, bookcase with inlaid banded pediment and glazed doors opening to adjustable shelved interior, lower case with false two drawer front opening to finely inlaid satinwood and figured mahogany amphitheater interior, with dramatic fan and quarter fan inlaid prospect door, five satinwood document drawers with fluted classical column inlay, prospect door opening to three additional satinwood faced small drawers, poplar and yellow pine secondary, 99-3/4 x 47 x 22-3/4 in.

Note: As Sumpter Priddy's write up attests, this fine secretary bookcase is "among the most commanding examples of Neoclassical cabinetwork from 18th century Chesapeake." The symbols of commerce in the pediment including a triple masted sailing ship, a wheat sheaf, and a plow, point to the maritime and agricultural activities of the early Goldsborough family. The original owner of this desk is believed to have been Governor Charles W. Goldsborough (1765-1834), who served in Congress 1805-1817 as a representative of the Eastern Shore, and as governor of the state from 1818-1819. From Charles Goldsborough, the secretary likely passed to his son, the honorable William Tilghman Goldsborough (1808-1876), who served as Maryland's state senator in 1837, and again in 1839 and 1842. He inherited Horn's Point and its contents from his parents. Research notes recording the history of this secretary as it passed through the important families and houses of the eastern shore accompany the lot.

good condition and integrity overall, top 2-1/2 inches of pediment restored, eagle finial associated, brasses replaced, original feet with restorations and repairs including some reveneering and other face patches, restorations to base molding, other scattered veneer checking, flaws, and restorations including 2 x 2 inch patch at one drawer facing, two lower backboards replaced, see also Sumpter Priddy's condition report in accompanying invoice from 2010, the desk is accompanied by some pre-conservation photographs and conservation notes from Alan Anderson, 2010