Desk and bookcase, c. 1760–1780
Attributed to Henry Rust (American, 1737–1812)
Salem, Massachusetts
Mahogany, pine, poplar, and brass
97 3/4 x 45 3/8 x 24 1/2 in. (248.29 x 115.24 x 62.23 cm)
The Faith P. and Charles L. Bybee Collection, gift of the Tri Delta Charity Antiques Show, 1985.B.27.a–b

No object from New England in the Museum’s collections better exemplifies the mercantile culture of colonial British America than the form of this desk and bookcase. The taut fluted pilasters, rhythmic conversation of curves, luxurious material, alert ball-and-claw feet, swelling pillows of wood, generous scallops, and polished brass hardware—all these qualities of form combine to create a piece of furniture that approaches architecture in its solidity and scale.

While the exterior embodied the aspirations of an age, the interior, with its drawers, shelves, and compartments, served as the organizational center for a powerful merchant. Bills, accounts, shipping receipts, orders, and inventories were easily organized in its shelves and niches, while private documents, maps, rolled charts, and books fit neatly into its lower drawers.

Its likely first owner, Colonel Joseph Sprague (1739–1808), was among the richest and most powerful men of colonial Salem. An import-export businessman, stockowner, and investor, he must have made good use of this grand piece of furniture in organizing his business affairs.