Collection of Jean and Jim Barrow | May 20, 2023
Sat, May 20, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 88
Goldsborough Family Rare Important Southern Inlaid Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
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.
Condition
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
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
By descent in the Goldsborough family of Horn's Point Plantation: Probably Charles W. Goldsborough (1764-64), to his son William Tilghman Goldsborough (1808-1876), by sale in 1868 to Charles F. Goldsborough and Thomas W. Anderson, by sale in 1879 to John M. Perry, by sale in 1911 to John and Lillian Pattison, by sale in 1912 to T. Coleman du Pont (1863-1930);
Sumpter Priddy; Collection of Jean and Jim Barrow
