Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Secretary Desk
Artifact IDMO 2011.11a,b
Object Type
Desk
Maker
Unknown
Dateca. 1810-1825
Mediummahogany, tulip poplar, metal, brass, glass
Dimensionsoverall H 92 1/2 in x W 47 3/4 in x D 24 3/4 in (235 cm x 121.3 cm x 62.9 cm )
part a (desk) H 40 in x W 47 3/4 in x D 24 3/4 in (101.6 cm x 121.3 cm x 62.9 cm )
part b (bookcase) H 52 1/2 in x W 47 3/4 in x D 13 1/2 in (133.4 cm x 121.3 cm x 34.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn excellent example of a late Federal or "Classical" secretary in the New York style. The veneered mahogany secretary consists of two parts, the desk (a) and the bookcase (b). The secretary comes with two brass keys.part a (desk) H 40 in x W 47 3/4 in x D 24 3/4 in (101.6 cm x 121.3 cm x 62.9 cm )
part b (bookcase) H 52 1/2 in x W 47 3/4 in x D 13 1/2 in (133.4 cm x 121.3 cm x 34.3 cm )
(a) The desk has five drawers in the upper section (two of which are lockable) and three lockable drawers in the lower section, all with brass pull knobs. At the bottom center of the desk is an arched kneehole. A full-width writing surface folds out. The desk is raised on four spiral reeded baluster legs ending in carved paw feet.
(b) The bookcase, which sits atop the desk, has two Gothic mullioned glass doors which are lockable. On the interior are three adjustable wooden shelves.
Historical NoteThis desk is on display in FDR’s PRIVATE STUDY in the Permanent Exhibit.
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel, and Donald W. Stern
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
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