William Ramsay's Desk and Bookcase

William Ramsay's Desk and Bookcase

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Description
This desk, known as a “secretary”, has an attached two-shelf bookcase. Made entirely out of dark wood this piece boasts myriad compartments and drawers to house the many financial records and books of its owner, William Ramsay, a merchant and shopkeeper. The desk is embellished with intricate carvings and is ornamented at its topmost point with a finial.
Location
Currently not on view (hardware)
Currently not on view (furniture ornament)
Object Name
Slant-Front Desk and Bookcase
desk
date made
1770s or earlier
place made
United Kingdom: Scotland, Edinburgh
place used
United States: Virginia, Alexandria
Measurements
overall, lock: 5/8 in x 2 5/8 in x 2 in; 1.5875 cm x 6.6675 cm x 5.08 cm
overall, hinges, each: 1/4 in x 1 3/4 in x 1 3/8 in;.635 cm x 4.445 cm x 3.4925 cm
ID Number
DL.62.0549
catalog number
62.0549
accession number
220760
Credit Line
The Heirs of William and Dennis Ramsay
subject
Furniture
Virginia
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
Cultures & Communities
Work
American Enterprise
Domestic Furnishings
Exhibition
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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