Secretaire

Military-style secretaire belonging to Sir John Franklin (1786-1847). In mahogany with flush brass handles, it has four drawers and a lock. The top drawer lets down to form a writing surface. There are four pigeon holes inside with three small drawers either side with ebony inlay. The drawer fronts are satin wood. The corners of the item are brass bound and there are two iron carrying handles at each end as the piece divides into two sections. The thee large drawers are lined with pine, the small drawes with cuban mahogany. There are four feet on the base. The lock by 'T PARSONS PATENTEE', the handles by 'SILVER & CO, LONDON & LIVERPOOL.'