England, c1790.

From the Royal Household of William IV.

Additional Provenance: Estate of Susan Sontag and Philip Rieff, since the 1950's

The molded top above a central roll top section opening to reveal a baize lined writing slide and an arrangement of pigeonholes and false drawers flanked by a pair of deep bowfront drawers above three drawers and raised on square tapering legs ending in brass caps and casters; the verso bearing a stamp for the Royal Household of William IV, and also indistinctly "FIRST LT"

42 1/2"H x 61"W x 22"D

William IV (William Henry, 1765-1837), the third son of George III, was known as the "Sailor King", although he reportedly saw little action. He entered the Royal Navy at age 13, fighting in the American Revolution and serving in the Caribbean. He became a Lieutenant in 1785, and Captain of the HMS Pegasus in 1786. Later that year, he was stationed in the West Indies, where he was under the command of his friend Horatio Nelson. William is credited with building the Georgian house Clarence House during his services in Antigua, although the exact dating of its construction is in question. He was eventually promoted to admiral, prior to ceasing his service in 1790. He ascended to the throne of England as William IV in 1830, reigning until his death in 1837.