Goddard-Townsend Six Shell Secretary Reproduction Handmade Famous 18th Century Mahogany Secretary/Desk Start Price USD 6,495.00 Current Price USD 6,495.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, December 03, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Axton, VA See more about 'Goddard-Townsend Six Shell Secretary Reproduction' Description   Free Shipping in Contiguous 48 States Only This is an exquisite Handmade Mahogany Reproduction of the 18th Century Goddard-Townsend Six-Shell Secretary which is one of the most famous pieces of American furniture ever made.  Only 10 originals were made and one sold in 1989 for $12.1 million.  This reproduction was made in the same way as the original....all handmade with dove tail joints.  The wood is Mahogany.  This is a grand piece of furniture that is over 7 feet tall.  This has the signature convex and concave shell carvings.  It has many special features such as folding doors, many small compartments that appear to be strictly decorative but are actually drawers, slotted adjustable shelves as well as solid brass hardware.  This also has four brass keys so both the desk top and the folding doors can be locked for security.  This looks as beautiful with the desk up and doors closed as with them open.  This is in Mint Vintage Condition with only one small area on the left front edge that has a minor scrape...hardly visible.  I can find no markings of any kind to indicate who made this magnificent piece of furniture.  It is in two parts and has metal brackets on the back to hold them securely although this is such a heavy piece I can't imagine the top could ever be knocked over.  The pictures do not show the top center finial in place as the room is not tall enough to have it in place.  This is approximately (to the best of my ability to measure) 92" tall and the finial would add about another 6" to the height.  It is 38 1/2" wide at the base (the widest point), the shelves are 9 1/4" deep and 29" wide and the desk top is 24" deep and 33 3/4" wide.  This is truly a work of art and rare in its beauty and mode of construction (no nails were used).  Every part of this is of the highest quality.  I'm not sure when this was made but we have owned it for over 25 years. The only reason I am selling this lovely secretary is that we have downsized and it is simply too big for our home and is wasted in the corner we have it which is the only place it would fit.  I recently got a quote for building this same secretary and the price was in the tens of thousands of dollars.  We hope it will find a home where it can be appreciated fully.  An interesting fact is that this secretary was the subject of a recent book titled "Hot Mahogany" by Stuart Woods.  To learn more about Goddard-Townsend Furniture you might want to go to the website of Ken Sheehan. Shipping Free Shipping would be through Don Hill .  He blanket wraps and places the piece in your home so you have no worries.  He personally delivers all items to locations as far west as Chicago and works in conjunction with another shipper to deliver to West Coast locations.  Delivery time is 2 weeks up to 8 weeks.  Please Note:  Shipping is not available to Alaska, Hawaii or any location outside of the contiguous 48 states. Of course, you may make arrangements with the shipping company of your choice at your expense but please be aware that Semi-Trucks cannot get down our long driveway....regular delivery/moving trucks will have no problem. If you prefer you can pick up the piece yourself but you would be responsible for any wrapping or packing material and we are not able to assist with any lifting or carrying of the item.  The secretary is located in Axton, VA 24054 which is about an hour north of Greensboro, NC, a little over an hour from Roanoke, VA and the same from Lynchburg, VA.   Thanks for looking and good luck on eBay.  Please email any questions.  Place a Bid!