Two interesting boxes in the Bolles Collection are shown in Figure 228. They are carved in the design known as Friesland, which consists of geometrical shapes, stars, wheels, and diaper pattern. This pattern was popular among the Dutch settlers in this country and is the same as shown on the spoon-rack (Figure 176). Although this is an early pattern, it seems to have been used in this country during the last quarter of the seventeenth century. The lower box bears the initials "S. C." The edges of each are notched in the usual manner.

Figure 229 shows another box from the Bolles Collection, and is the only one that has come under the writer's observation that has panels and applied ornaments. At the centre is a small rectangular panel caused by applying a moulding, within which are the initials "S. P." and a turtle-back boss. At each corner of the front is a split-spindle ornament and at each side is a split spindle applied horizontally with five round bosses.

A moulding finishes the bottom of the box.

Figure 230 shows a box with a carved front and plain sides. The carving is in the pattern of the Hadley chest with the extra leaf, as appears in the chest (Figure 31). The initials are "D. C." It is impossible to tell now whether it was originally stained in the manner of Hadley chests or not, but it undoubtedly was made in the same locality. It is the property of Mr. H. W. Erving, of Hartford.

Figure 228. Two Desk-Boxes with Friesland carving, 1675-1700.

Figure 229. Desk-Box, 1680-1700.

Figure 230. Desk-Box, Hadley pattern, about 1700.

A rather long box, in the same collection, is shown in Figure 231. It is 233/4 inches in length, 7 1/2 inches high, and 16 inches deep. The design is unusual, consisting of two groups of two flowers each, which we have never seen elsewhere than on desk-boxes. The initial "N" in the centre stands for Nott, from which family it was bought.

Figure 231. Desk-Box, 1675-1700.

Figure 232 shows another box the front and sides of which are ornamented in a scratch carving and vertical palmated scroll designs similar to the chest of drawers shown in Figure 41. It is in the Bolles Collection.

Figure 233 shows another box in the same collection. The design is a tulip on either side and a heart with foliage at the centre, all in scratch carving. The ends are notched.

Figure 234 illustrates a rare piece of furniture which may be called a desk on a frame, the property of Mr. H.W. Erving. The piece consists of a small desk-box with a drawer below standing on turned legs. The chest part is panelled in two rectangular panels with a turtle-back boss at the centre of each, and the same panels are on the ends. The drawer is carved in a lunette design, and on the stiles and separating the panels are pairs of knob-turned split spindles. An unusual feature is the open shelf below. The top is hinged on wooden pegs.

Figure 235 shows another of these desk-boxes on frame which is in the Bolles Collection. The desk portion is in the form of two moulded rectangular panels with turtle-head bosses, and the drawer is moulded in a long panel with two of the same bosses; on the stiles are split spindles. The legs are turned as are also the stretchers.

Figure 232. Desk-Box, 1690-1700.

Figure 233. Desk-Box, about 1700.

Figure 234. Desk-Box on frame, about 1675.

Desk-Box on frame, 1680-1700.

Figure 236 shows another desk-box on frame in the Erving Collection. The pattern is the one most commonly found; on the desk part are two panels with the upper corners chamfered and on the panels are painted sprays of leaves. The drawer is divided into two panels. The legs and stretchers are knob-turned.

Figure 236. Desk-Box on frame, about 1700.

Figure 237 shows a still different variety of a desk-box on frame in which the nature of its origin is more apparent. It consists of two sections. The upper one contains a box with a drawer; the lower section contains a drawer on a frame. The upper section sets into the lower one and is held in place by a heavy moulding in the same way as were the chests of drawers on frames. The surfaces are ornamented with painted foliations and a fleur-de-lis above and a foliated scroll below. The legs are turned and terminate in ball feet and the stretchers are scalloped. This piece is in the Bolles Collection and is a rare form.

But few of these desk-boxes on frames have survived, and they were probably rarer than any other form of oak furniture. There has been considerable conjeeture as to what these pieces were intended for. It has been thought by some that they were small chests. This, however, we think erroneous. It was undoubtedly tin fashion to place the boxes on low tables, and it was but a step to make the table and box in one piece. That this was probably so is evidenced by the desk shown in Figures 238 and 239, which is really a desk-box set on a frame.

Throughout the inventories, whenever the words "on frame" are used they refer to a piece raised from the floor as distinguished from those resting on feet or directly on the floor. This, as is shown in the chapter on "Chests of Drawers," was the way the change from low chests of drawers to those commonly called highboys was first designated in the inventories, and as it was during this very time that this distinction was first noted with respect to chests of drawers, we conclude that the same distinction was intended wherever this expression is used. Furthermore, in none of the inventories does any expression appear but this which could possibly refer to such pieces, nor are any other pieces extant to which the expression desk and frame could apply.

Desk-Box on frame, about 1700.