Lot 2450

FINE AND RARE EDWARD PRIESTLEY (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 1778-1837), ATTRIBUTED, CLASSICAL MAHOGANY SECRETARY / DESK AND BOOKCASE

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FINE AND RARE EDWARD PRIESTLEY (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 1778-1837), ATTRIBUTED, CLASSICAL MAHOGANY SECRETARY / DESK AND BOOKCASE

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
June 27, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
2177 Green Valley Lane
Mt. Crawford, VA, US 22841

FINE AND RARE EDWARD PRIESTLEY (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 1778-1837), ATTRIBUTED, CLASSICAL MAHOGANY SECRETARY / DESK AND BOOKCASE, three-piece construction, the upper case featuring applied molded cornice over two hinged doors bearing unusual 16-pane fenestration, interior retaining six original adjustable shelves, the lower case featuring a butler's desk with faux drawer concealing fitted interior bearing figured maple drawer facings, over two hinged cabinet doors concealing ledger slots and bank of four short drawers, all flanked by fully carved "Mummy" figures in opposing posture and foliate / floral work to upper stiles, the whole supported on a framed base raised on turned feet. Pine and poplar secondary woods. Retains richly figured veneers throughout and an early surface with warm color. Circa 1825. 99" HOA, 51 1/2" WOA, 24" DOA.
Literature: See Kirtley - "A New Suspect: Baltimore Cabinetmaker Edward Priestley", American Furniture (2000), pp. 100-151 for an in-depth overview of the Priestly's work.
Catalogue Note: Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Edward Priestley (1778-1837) moved with his widowed mother to Baltimore in 1790. While no records exist regarding his apprenticeship, it is likely that he trained under a master in the city during the last decade of the 18th century. By 1801, he had entered into a partnership with fellow cabinetmaker, Samuel Minskey (1778-1819), and the two established a shop near the wharves in Baltimore, where they advertised a full array of furniture and furnishings for prospective clients in the city as well as those further south through export. In 1807, Priestley and Minskey dissolved their partnership, and set up their own individual enterprises. Priestley maintained the present location on Baltimore Street and prospered there for nearly three decades as one of the rapidly growing city's most sought-after cabinetmakers. His list of clients during this period include everyone from the region's wealthy elite to President James Madison and First Lady Dolly Madison. 
A number of Priestley's most iconic pieces bear distinctive carved "Mummy" figures as a decorative motif, undoubtedly resulting from keen interest in Egyptian architecture and decorative arts during the latter phase of the Neoclassical period. The presently offered desk and bookcase does just that, using the "Mummy" figures as faux columns that flank the lower cabinet doors, giving the entire piece a decidedly architectural aesthetic that was in such strong demand during the era. A new discovery in Baltimore furniture from the early republic, this exquisitely crafted desk and bookcase in remarkably fine condition represents the only documented example of the form by Priestley that we were able to locate.

  • Provenance:

    Property from the estate of Malcolm Bradley, Richmond, VA.

  • Condition:

    Very good overall condition with minor cracks and other imperfections to veneers, lacking one glass pane, loss to base molding on proper right end, old breaks and repairs to "Mummy" figure toes, proper left example with associated small loss.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000