Valentine Family Walnut Fall Front Desk
Eastern Virginia
Circa 1770
Commentary: Descended in Richmond’s Valentine Family from Mann S. Valentine (1824-1892), this diminutive fall front desk is a compelling piece of Virginia history. While the desk’s history prior to the ownership of Mann S. Valentine is unknown with certainty, the likely period of its construction suggest that it could have descended from his great grandfather Jacob Valentine (c.1720-1774) of King William County, Virginia through his grandfather Batchelder Valentine c. 1750- 1807) and father Mann S. Valentine (1786-1865). The inventory of Jacob’s estate lists a “Desk and book case” at 4 pounds, 10 shillings, and “1 writing desk” at 12 shillings but it is also possible that the desk was acquired by Mann Valentine at a later date. As recorded by Edward Pleasants Valentine (1864-1908), Mann S. Valentine was born in King William County and moved to Richmond in 1806 to pursue a career in law. After obtaining an appointment to the State Guard he was made keeper of the Penitentiary store where he discovered “he possessed superior business qualifications” which led him into the field of general merchandising. “One of the first of the native Virginians to successfully compete with the British merchants who had hitherto practically controlled the commerce of the State,” Mann Valentine’s success allowed him to pursue his tastes for art, literature, music and drama. Mann S. Valentine, was also a successful businessman and patron of the arts, and and along with his brother, Edward Virginius Valentine (1838- 1930) the sculptor, were among Richmond’s most prominent citizens in the post Civil War era. Their efforts and resources contributed greatly to the city’s revival. The Valentine Museum, now the Valentine Richmond History Center, have been the most prominent beneficiaries of the family’s philanthropy and count among their collections examples of the fine and decorative arts owned and donated by the Valentine family.
Probable line of descent:
Jacob Valentine – King William County — 1720 – 1774
Batchelder Valentine – King William County — 1750 -1807
Mann S. Valentine Sr. 1786 – 1865 (moved to Richmond 1806)
Mann S. Valentine Jr. 1824 – 1892
Descendents of Stuart Valentine
The interior of the desk is similar in style and drawer configuration to many others from the region and reflect the predominant British influence on colonial artisans. The central prospect compartment slides forward to reveal multiple secret compartments accessible from the rear of the unit. It is not unusual to find such compartments in period desks but the particular method of their construction along with other elements of the desk may provide clues for further research leading to the identity of the shop or artisan from which the piece originated.
Condition: This desk retains its original brasses and survives in excellent condition. The feet, below the base molding, were replaced probably at some time in the early twentieth century. The present feet, which related to examples of other Virginia desks from the same period, may have been copied from the originals. The feet were reblocked and properly positioned by the F.C. Vogt Company of Richmond. At the same time minor repairs were made to small portions of drawer edges and several coats of paste wax were applied to bring up the finish. The secondary woods are predominantly yellow pine.
Price: Sold
Additional Photos
Interior Detail
