Although not visible in the photography presented, the mahogany feet are not structural members, but are purely decorative. This is because the feet overhang the case and are primarily attached only to the base molding. The weight is carried by horizontal grain corner blocks, another deviation from the original. By and large, only William Scott of Williamsburg, Virginia, used layered corner blocks; most (including the Newport makers) used vertical grain corner blocks. On some antiques, including museum pieces, because a cross-grain situation is presented by the vertical grain corner blocks glued to the inside corner of the horizontal grain feet, many feet have split. Using horizontal grain corner blocks, with the grain running both side to side and front to back in 3/4” layers similar to plywood, means that the corner blocks move seasonally with the feet, and long grain glue surfaces are presented to both the front and side feet for strength.

A piece of this quality should have a secret compartment, although the original does not. The floor board of kneehole compartment is loose and can be pushed down at the back edge and lifted out, leaving a one and one-half inch compartment for the storage of valuables or secrets. The desk is signed and dated under the bottom shelf.