Description: Rare walnut Victorian secretary signed "Pat Feb 6, (18)77 H.H.
Wiggers, Kearney & Wiggers Manufacturers, Cin'ti, O." This desk is in all
original condition. It has two raised burled panels with a round signature
brass medallion beneath the double step gallery. The two sides of the desk
swing open with double brass hinges on either side and metal rods that
mechanically pull the writing surface out when the desk is opened. The
interior of the desk has four drawers in the middle and cubbies on the
sides. The drawer fronts and tops of the cubbies are beautifully appointed
with birdseye maple fronts. The desk has the original maroon fabric on the
writing surface. The fabric is stained and could easily be replaced with a
piece of leather. On such an original historically important piece we
elected to keep it original and let the buyer decide on this. The desk sits
on four columns with clover leaf cutouts in the base. It has a finished
back. The following information was obtained from the Smithsonian
Institute.
"On 6 February 1877, Henry H. Wiggers of Cincinnati patented another
variety of the Wooton-type
desk. The patent specification for this desk or secre-
tary stipulated that it was provided with a pair of
hinged covers coupled to a sliding member in such a
manner that the advancement of said slide causes the
cornered style of the Fallows desk (illustrated in "Wisconsin
Magazine of History" Vol. 35, No. 4 [Summer, 1952, p. 276),
which is labeled "Moore's cabinet desk, Indianapolis, Indiana,
Patented Jan. 8, 1878. (This desk) patented by Henry H. Wiggers of
Cincinnati, Ohio, 6 February 1877, now in the Heinz
House, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan.
was listed as the Wooton Desk Manufacturing Com-
pany."
In fact, the 1870-1885 period was a most dynamic period in American
furniture design. Moore, Wooten, Wiggins and others inundated the US Patent
office with a number of innovative and interesting designs. We have never
had this particular desk before. We believe it to be an important example
of Victorian furniture design.
Circa: 1877
Dimensions: 58"H x 33.5"W (closed) x 23"D
Finish: Fair to Good original untouched condition
Price: $4950.00 ON SALE: $2950.00
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