JOHANNES KRAUSE (SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA, 1742-1807), ATTRIBUTED, CHIPPENDALE WALNUT FALL-FRONT DESK, massive, oversized form, the hinged slant lid concealing fine stepped interior fitted with multiple drawers, open shelf, and unusual locking mechanism to each end, case with four full thumb-molded drawers flanked by solid ends, the whole raised on an applied cut-out bracket-foot base. Poplar secondary wood. Retains an old surface with warm color. Circa 1780. 45 1/2" H, 49" W, 25" D.
Provenance: From the Ann and Clay Ring family collection, Winston-Salem, NC.
Catalogue Note: According to the consignor, the present lot, having descended in the Meinung Family, was made with walnut from the Brother's House garden in Salem, North Carolina for Gottfried Praezel.
Johannes Krause was appointed Master Joiner of Salem in 1776, only 14 months after his arrival from Ebersdorf, Germany. During his 20 years of mastership he had eight apprentices, only six of whom completed their training. He also served as watermaster during his time in Salem. During the years 1777 and 1778 he supervised the installation of the first system which piped water from the springs some three-quarters of a mile from Salem. This water system was only the second of its kind in America. Krause also worked extensively as a builder including constructing Salem's bell tower on the square and installing its clock, for which he was also responsible for keeping running. He also found time for various civic duties and to give instructions in playing the trombone. The above information was gleaned from Frank Horton's article "Johannes Krause, Master Joiner of Salem."
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Very good overall condition with areas of expected minor wear and discoloration. Minor loss to interior drawer knobs. Brasses replaced.