Newport Mahogany Blockfront Desk

Of exceptional and rare form, this desk and bookcase is a copy of a famous Townsend and Goddard Newport, Rhode Island blockfront desk. With very few originals in existence, this replica represents the finest American craftsmanship and is of the highest caliber of both quality and design of the 18th century.

The original of this Mahogany desk and bookcase, made for the Updyke family in the 1770s, is one of ten block-fronted examples crafted by members of the Townsend and Goddard families of Kingston and Newport, Rhode Island. Block fronting, or the raised-recessed-raised triad of panels with the shell as an integral part of each, is considered to be uniquely American. The last one remaining in private hands was sold at Christie’s on June 3, 1989 for $12.1 million, a world record-breaking price. The hand carving represents 37 hours by meticulous artisans to achieve the beautiful and precise look of the original. Seventeen drawers and six compartments line the desk, and the ten separate sections in the bookcase are channeled to allow numerous subdivisions.

Dimensions: 45" W x 26" D x 98" D

Made in the USA.

Ships in 12 weeks.

This item is customizable. Contact us to learn more.