Kentucky Primitive Sugar Desk? Secretary Desk?

Hello, I’m hoping for some more information about a piece I picked up a few years back from an old estate in central Kentucky (Harrodsburg area). My best estimate is that it’s a dovetailed, slant-top desk, atop a cabinet from the late 1800s, but that’s just a guess. The top and bottom appear to be matching (based on wood & locks). Also, the inside is painted a burgundy color, (see the drawer removed from the inside) so someone likely stripped the paint on the exterior at some point I would guess. I’m looking for information about what exactly it is, time period of its manufacture, and possible value. It’s one of my favorite pieces of furniture but I know nothing about it! Thanks!

 

Hi and WELCOME to ANTIQUERS, Doug! I see the dovetailing, but how do you come by 'slant top'......did someone change the top?? Can you post more images of the inside, back, bottom......I'm just the first that would probably ask that question!!! Thanks!!

 

Thanks for the welcome and for the reply! Here’s some more photographs from different angles, as well as the hardware assuming it’s original. (sorry about all of the junk in there....)

 

Here’s one of the back.

 

ummm - in your own words, what's a sugar desk?

Welcome, @Doug Shlonsky

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/DoJwVHkyZ4MdsE3NA


Not expecting that kind of value out of it, but it’s a similar shape, and from the same state!

 

Something not working there...

 

Thanks for the added images......in your first two, I couldn't see any slant top at all!!!! To me, looks like it has some nice age to it, but I'm NOT the best expert here by ANY means!!!! And it's kind of hard to see the small images....bigger (but under 1 MB!) is always better!! Putting a shout-out to a couple of others..... and BTW, EBTH, if I remember correctly is one of the sites famous for outrageous prices......someone correct me if I'm wrong, please!!!!!
Now, @verybrad, @James Conrad, and I can never remember the copious others.....but they're out there!!!!

 

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/columns-and-international/wes-cowan/cowans-corner-sugar-chests/

This article explains the difference between a sugar chest and sugar desk better than i ever could in my own words

 

Welcome Doug. That is a nice sugar desk, and thanks for the explanatory link, we don't have them here in the Netherlands.

Another person to tag is @Jeff Drum .

 

Hmmm, i don't think a sugar desk & it's not a slant lid desk either. Guesses mid 19th century, the small photos are very small, hard to see much, a lectern maybe or school masters desk?

 

LOL, well, same state yes! but similar shape/form, no. The sugar desk you posted is in a slant lid desk form however, if you notice there is a deep well under the lid to store the sugar, yours has no "well".
And because of dovetailing, i would not say "primitive" either, yours was built by someone who was skilled in woodworking.

 

Thanks for the info!!

My initial thought when i saw it was a lectern or podium but the back of the piece being rough and unfinished leads me to believe it was never meant to face outward?

It’s always puzzled me, which i suppose is part of it’s charm..

 

Here is a similar form school masters desk in walnut, although most had legs on frame construction, a few did have storage cabinets below.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/40705097_19th-century-american-upright-school-masters-desk

 

Thank you James! That is a very very close match in terms of form and I think you’ve solved the mystery for me, much appreciated!

 

No problem, although the similar example doesn't show back, i suspect it's not finished either as you can see daylight between backboards when cabinet doors were open.
These were utilitarian type furniture forms, it's doubtful they cared much about the back.

 

Nice piece. I think James has nailed this. Agree with the dating as well.

 

good one James.....