Wooton patent desk
A whole office in a cabinet: two wings full of pigeonholes that close and lock.
William S. Wooton patented the desk in 1874, as offices grew and paperwork with them. It became a status object for businessmen and politicians – owners included John D. Rockefeller. Examples are in the Smithsonian and the Indiana State Museum.
Materials: Walnut with veneer and inlay, brass fittings
Manufacture: Factory-made in Indianapolis in four sizes and grades, with patented hinges.
The two doors are themselves full of letter slots and open like a cabinet.
The inlaid brass plate with the 1874 patent.