A Rare Baltimore, Maryland Federal Inlaid Mahogany Cylinder Desk and Bookcase, Attrib. to Bankson And Lawson, 1785. - 1792.
In two parts, the upper section having three carved mahogany flame finials above an arched cornice, with flaming and draped urn inlay, flanked by shell inlays, above two mullion glazed doors with original glass, opening to two adjustable height shelves.
The lower section having a one piece, roll top, cylinder front, with central oval inlay depicting a running stag and dog, opening to a fitted interior, with central compartment door opening to two line inlay drawers. The door inlaid with shield eagle with banner clutching an arrow and olive branch, set in a green ground. The fitted interior with ten line inlaid drawers, and eight pigeon holes, with a pull out writing surface, above four graduated drawers, raised on slightly splayed feet with tri-lobed front apron with central sunflower inlay with tiny flowers on stems between petals set on a faded green ground.

H: 93 W: 40 1/2 D: 21 1/2 in.

This Federal cylinder desk and bookcase has striking similarities to cabinet pieces in Winterthur, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chipstone Collection. 1. Three upper carved mahogany flame finials not original.
2. Five glass panes are cracked.
3. Hinges replaced, mounting repaired. Original screws replaced.
4. Detached veneer exposed front joints see photo. (veneer fragments collected and stored in desk)
5. The brass pulls depicting a reclining lion were periodically removed for polishing and therefore cannot be assessed other than 'of the period'.
6. Two keys both work.
7. Early refinish and French polish.
8. Original Tulip backboards, plus a full width board used as a brace between rear feet. See photo. (It is the same as in the Baltimore Cylinder Desk in the Baltimore Museum of Art, BMA-1986.12.
9. One pigeon hole divider broken, missing.
10. Mahogany veneers over Tulip, Poplar and/or Yellow Pine.