#6194 • Fabulous Philadelphia Chippendale Secretary Bookcase Custom Commissioned, Irion Furniture Co

Part of NBA All-Star $5.9 M. Georgian Potomac Mansion, Downsizing Online Auction (timed auction by Prime Auction Solutions)

Status: Sold

This fabulous flame mahogany Philadelphia Chippendale secretary bookcase is identical to the antique secretary in the Mt. Pleasant mansion, a National Historic Landmark and part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Created by museum-trusted Irion Furniture Co. using 18th century tools and techniques, it is a superb example of the Chippendale style.  The architectural pediment on top of the bookcase is crowned with a scroll top, 2 twisted finials on the corners and an elaborate hand-carved  "peanut" and scrollwork finial.  The unusual solid cathedral doors are topped by a carved clamshell adorned with fretwork of acanthus leaves and vines.  The slope-fall desk is just as breathtaking.  The bottom portion of the secretary has 7  lower drawers with brass hardware, of which 2 small drawers pull out to help support the desk when it is open. The finely detailed interior of the desk features a central cathedral door locking cabinet with key, flanked by fluted columns. The pigeonholes are topped with carved arches and echoing this, the walls are shaped with curves at the ends.  Continuing the theme, the 8 elaborate smaller drawers are serpentine-shaped with round brass pulls.  On the bottom, the secretary rests on hand-carved Chinese-inspired legs.   Originally costing $25,695, the Mt. Pleasant-inspired Philadelphia secretary bookcase was custom-commissioned and created for the owners and builders of this mansion, which is in the architectural style of Mt. Pleasant where the original secretary resides. Mt. Pleasant was called "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania" by John Adams. Along with this elegant desk, there are several other Chippendale examples in this sale that would be museum pieces, or as cherished heirlooms for generations of your family. For more information about Irion Furniture Co. : https://youtu.be/yPOVPn0UqSQ