Victorian Walnut Secretary

This lovely walnut Victorian secretary is from the Renaissance Revival period.  The highly carved top crest has a portrait of a woman.  She is often referred to as Lady Liberty or the head of Columbia or Jenny Lind – a famous opera star in the 1850′s.  The female carvings are repeated below on the outside of each door.  Notice the extensive use of applied burled walnut panels on the crest and around the doors.  The doors retain their original glass and working lock with key.  Inside are 3 adjustable shelves.  The secretary comes apart in 2 main pieces for ease in moving.  The base has a drawer with burled walnut front and beautifully carved pulls in the shape of an open book.  Upon opening the drawer, there are 2 interior buttons, which when pressed, the drawer drops down to reveal a felt covered writing surface.  Inside are 2 small hand dovetailed drawers and 6 cubbies for storage.  Below are 2 raised burled walnut paneled doors having their original working locks.  Inside is one long shelf.  The desk retains its original finish, which is in excellent condition having a rich, warm patina.  What a beautiful desk to grace your living room or library.