Images(3)

Desk and bookcase

1765–85

Object PlaceBoston, Massachusetts

Medium/TechniqueMahogany, pine, gilt wood, brass

Dimensions241.3 x 106.0 x 62.9 cm (95 x 41 3/4 x 24 3/4 in.)

Credit LineGift of Miss Alice F. Sprague in memory of her mother Frances E. Cutler Sprague

Accession number29.4

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsFurniture

Collections

Americas

ProvenanceDescended in the Low family to Mrs. Foster Low of Boston; 1849, sold by Mrs. Foster Low to her neighbor, Micah Cutler (1797-1874) of Boston (1). The receipt reads "Boston Feb. 13, 1849 / Micah Cutler bought of Mary Low one old / English mahogany secretary or bookcase for ten dollars $10 / Received payment Mary Low". Descended through the Cutler family to Miss Alice F. Sprague (b. 1875) (2); 1929, Gift of Miss Alice F. Sprague in memory of her mother Frances E. Cutler Sprague (Accession Date: January 3, 1929)

1. 1842 Boston City directory lists Foster Low, carpenter, at 45 Pleasant Street and Micah Cutler, housewright, at 51 Pleasant Street. Foster Low died in 1847.

2. Micah Cutler's daughter, Frances (1842-1910) married Francis (Frank) W. Sprague (1842- 1930) and they had a daughter, Alice F. Sprague (b. 1875).