Shaker Desk on Frame
Brother Abner Allen (1776-1885)
Enfield, CT | 1849
Butternut, cherry, pine, and poplar
Old or original surface
33 ¼” h. x 31 ½” w. x 23 – 30” d.
Provenance: Descendant of the Meacham family, Springfield, MA
Signed and dated by Brother Abner Allen (1776-1855), master craftsman of the Enfield, Connecticut Shaker community, this unique form appears to be the hybridization of two classic designs: a Shaker lap desk and a drop-leaf table. Allen’s design has an enlarged slant-top lid, elongated dovetailed drawer, and backsplash that is fully integrated into the finely dovetailed case. Elevated by a classic square-to-round turned-leg frame, the piece has the compelling addition of a shallow drop leaf supported by a hinged wrought iron leaf bracket. There is only one other known example of this form, also signed and dated by Allen.
Butternut, cherry, pine, and poplar in an old or original stain and varnish surface. The elongated, molded-lip, dovetailed drawer has an exceptional turned-wood knob and distinctive tapered drawer sides employed by Abner Allen. Replaced escutcheon reflects the identical size and shape of the original.
In addition to being a rare signed/dated piece, the desk comes with exceptional provenance. It was passed down through the Meacham family, whose farm was one of the original land holdings on which the Enfield, Connecticut Shaker community was built. The Meachams were some of the earliest American Shaker converts. After the death of Ann Lee, Joseph Meacham (1742-1796) assumed leadership of all Shakers, becoming “Father Joseph” to the growing religious movement. His biological and spiritual brother, Elder David Meacham (1743-1826), was a Trustee of the New Lebanon, New York, community. Even after his death, his initials, D.M., were frequently stamped on objects to represent their Shaker origin.
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