Desk and Bookcase
Period1755 - 1775
MediumCherry, tulip poplar, and white cedar
Dimensions99.5 × 45.75 × 24 in. (252.7 × 116.2 × 61 cm)
ClassificationsStorage Furniture
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Maude Applegate Smith Moreau, 1964
Object number1982.408
DescriptionA desk and bookcase in two parts, the upper section features a heavily molded scroll pediment ending in carved rosettes, three plinths with carved and turned urn and flame finials, and a central carved shell in the tympanum flanked by acanthus scrolls above a pair of arched doors with fielded panels and two pierced brass scroll escutcheons. Candle slides are centered below each door. The bookcase interior includes nine slots on both sides to accommodate adjustable thick board shelves with double-arch molding on their front edges. At one time there may have been more shelves than the remaining two. Along the bottom of the interior, ten pigeonholes with scalloped valances are placed above five small plain drawers. The bookcase rests atop the lower desk section, with front and side molding attached to the desk's upper surface. A hinged fall front rests on a pair of lopers when opened. It reveals a relatively simple interior, with a plain prospect door flanked on each side by four pigeonholes with scalloped valances above two pairs of two drawers. The lower section includes four graduated drawers with thumbnail molded edges, all with original open brasses and escutcheons, above a molded skirt and four boldly curved ogee bracket feet.Curatorial RemarksThis impressive desk and bookcase imitates high style prototypes from Philadelphia, but probably came from a cabinet shop in central New Jersey. That in spite of the adamant claim in the family history that it was brought from England. Quoting an elderly aunt, the author, writing in 1935, stated that "when tradition comes down from such a reliable source, it must be accepted, regardless of what antique dealers say today." In this particular instance, the dealers were correct - it is American made. The combination of woods used to fashion the piece, that is cherry, tulip poplar and white cedar, are typical selections for the Delaware Valley region. The desk and bookcase retains many early details, such as original flame finials and brass hardware. The exuberant carving in the tympanum and on the scroll pediment imitates that of Philadelphia but is not up to the same exacting standard as its urban counterparts. The interior of the desk section is also quite plain. Given its early ownership history in East Windsor, Mercer County, and its construction details, the desk and bookcase may well be one of the most exceptional eighteenth century case pieces produced in the Burlington / Trenton / Princeton area of central New Jersey.NotesA paper glued to the drawer bottom of the top desk drawer provides the following family history for the desk and bookcase, "Daniel P. Smith, 97 West Main St., Freehold, N. J.; Nov 16th, 1935. Regarding an old desk that now is the property of Maude Smith Moreau, Freehold, N. J. Mrs. Lillian [should read Lydia, nicknamed Lillie] R. Stokes, now living at Mt. Holly, N. J., is a daughter [actually grand-daughter] of Abijah Applegate, she made her home with her grand-father Abijah from the time she was 11 or 12 years old until she was married to Edward D. Stokes. Her grand-father Abijah was the 3rd owner of the old colonial desk, he inherited it from his father Asher Applegate the original [actually second] owner. Mrs. Stokes has quite often heard her grandfather Abijah relate that his father Asher Applegate said, that his father Henry told him that he brought the old desk with him, on the boat, when he sailed to this country from England, Abijah Applegate was 35 years old when his father Asher died, and was above the average intelligence, so when tradition comes down from such a reliable source, it must be accepted, regardless of what antique dealers say today. The above history was told to me personally by Mrs. Stokes. (signed) Daniel P. Smith." Smith was the father of Maude Applegate Smith Moreau, the donor. Within this text, in spite of its errors, is a plausible line of descent for the desk and bookcase from Henry Applegate (1729 - 1799) through five subsequent generations of his descendants. Applegate, who lived in East Windsor, Mercer County, could certainly afford an impressive piece of furniture such as this as the inventory of his estate, taken on 9 January 1800, came to $6,626.42. Unfortunately, the document contains no useful information regarding his household furnishings. The estate inventory taken on 7 April 1875 for his deceased grandson Abijah, who figures prominently in the narrative above, lists "Desk and Contents" valued at $3.00. It is the only citation in nineteenth century family estate records that may refer to the desk and bookcase. A card mounted black and white photograph taken about 1890 shows the monumental piece in the residence of Mrs. Lydia R. "Lillie" Applegate Stokes at Mt. Holly, NJ.
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