A Fine American Federal Mahogany Library Desk and Bookcase, c. 1790, New York, attributed to Duncan Phyfe, the dentil molded cornice over large glazed doors with ovoid mullions; the lower case with reeded top, linen-fold reeded stiles, drawers fitted with pen trays and a leather writing surface, cabinet doors with ovoid panels, enclosing drawers, bracket feet, tulip poplar secondary wood, height 86 in., width 60 in., depth 25 in. E30000-50000 Provenance: Florian Papp, Inc. 1941, where the present owner purchased it. Note: The desk and bookcase form, often in a breakfront, was first produced by English cabinetmakers in the George II period. Thomas Sheraton wrote in 1793, "Of the Gentleman's Secretary. This piece is intended for a gentleman to write at, to keep accounts, and to serve as a library." These expansive and multi-functional pieces put in evidence the high literacy level and library size in private households of the Federal period. These grand case pieces, such as lot 347 above, were likely one of the most expensive items to be produced by high-style cabinetmakers due to the large amount exotic hardwoods used. In this rare American example, the dentillated cornice, the very elegant glazing, usage of through tenons in the doors and the oval panels in the base indicate an important New York cabinetmaker. A Phyfe lady's secretary from the Israel Sack collection has a similar dentil molded cornice, (see Israel Sack Collection, American Antiques, Volume I, p. 132, pl. 371.). Another secretary attributed to Phyfe from the collection of Joseph Hirshorn with ovoid panels like the lot above was sold by Sotheby's, New York as lot 1153, January 30th, 1982.