Description Property from the Collection of Frances Green Hilsman Federal Inlaid Mahogany Gentleman's Secretary, Salem, MA, in the manner of Edmund Johnson, c. 1800, the shaped cornice with carved giltwood eagle above glazed doors opening to shelves, the lower section with central desk drawer with open compartments and drawers (one with pencil inscription on the rear) and a felt lined writing surface above two drawers, flanked by drawers and doors, raised on square tapering legs ending in later spade feet, the top of the lower case decorated with bell flowers and ebony dots and pointed ovals. Height of eagle finial 6 1/2 in. The form of the present lot has close similarites with two pieces bearing the label of Salem cabinetmaker Edmund Johnson (w. 1793-1811), one at Winterthur Museum (Charles Montgomery and Patricia Kane, American Art: 1750-1800, 1976, no. 179, p. 222) and the other sold at Skinner, Boston, 9 June 2002, sale 2145, lot 107. Both share the same form and concept of ornament as well as bellflower and ebony dot inlays on the pilasters. Provenance: Collection of Henry D. Green, Georgia