18th Century Dutch Serpentine Desk

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Desk This fabulous 18th C. Dutch slant front, hinged leaf, writing desk has been constructed by an unknown cabinetmaker who was a master at his craft. Made from European Oak it has been partially stripped at some point in its history, leaving some of the original finish in the crevices of the carvings and sides. The slant front, hinged leaf top, supported by lopers, opens to serpentine lines of the pigeon holes and drawers mirroring the lines of the front drawers in the lower section. The four drawers of the lower section are composed of two half drawers, two full drawers, all having serpentine lines with a canted center section. There are brass handles and engraved back plates on the outer drawers and wooden knobs on the inside drawers. The motifs are scrolling rinceau, c-and s-scrolls, stylized shells, acanthus leaves in all forms, raised patterned grounds of stylized scales, and various floral motifs. There are areas in the desk featuring hidden compartments as follows: 1) Inside the top section, the small center drawer is flanked by stylized columns on bases. The columns are hidden drawers which run the depth of that section. They can be locked and unlocked by sliding an indented portion on the bottom panel of the pigeon holes, flanking the columns. 2) Inside the top section, when you remove the lower two small drawers there are hidden wooden panels having compartments in the back running the width of the drawers and behind the existing drawer. 3) In front of the small center drawer is a panel with indented moldings flanking it. There is an indented portion in the wood for sliding the panel open at the front center. The entire area under the top section is open for hidden storage. At one point in its history, there must have been a thin wooden panel covered with leather or felt that fit into the indented side moldings and over the top panel . This would have hidden the indented slider from view. 4) The lopers for supporting the hinged leaf have compartments at the very back, which could only be seen if the lopers were fully pulled out. This 18th C. slant front desk from Holland is truly a work of art and will be an asset to any home. Condition: Previous Restorations. No keys, bottom right hand molding around foot is missing (corresponding molding on left could be removed to make it match), locks are antique but not original to the piece; Chip to knob on loper H=40, W=40 13/16, Depth Closed=20, Depth Open=33 1/2