Background Info:
(Additional information thanks to Worth Point)

This desk was licensed by Henry Ford Museum to be made as an identical copy (authentic reproduction) of an externally rare desk owned by the well-known American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). This desk was licensed by The Edison Institute (Henry Ford Museum) and made by Colonial Manufacturing Company. They made pieces individually, one piece at a time, not in a production line. In 1930's Henry Ford licensed them exclusively to manufacture an authentic reproduction "a line-for-line copy" of the finest pieces in his collections. These museum copies are extremely rare because they were made in very small numbers and every single piece comes with the museum certification. Fewer than 10 of these desks were ever made. This piece measures 39" wide by 21" deep by 43" tall.

Background Info:
(Additional information thanks to Worth Point)

HONDURAS MAHOGANY SLANT FRONT DESK OF AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN MASTERPIECE Being offered is a Slant-Front Desk with Secret compartments identical to a well known American Masterpiece in Henry Ford Museum collections. It came with the original paperwork. It was made of Honduras Mahogany (in & out) with a very intricate inlaid. The Secret compartments and the craftsman's work is one of the finest I have ever seen. This desk was licensed by Henry Ford Museum to be made as an identical copy ( authentic reproduction ) of an externally rare desk owned by the well-known American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 -1882) Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1897, Edward R. Lemon purchased Longfellow's estate. In 1923, Henry Ford (founder of the Ford Motor Company) purchased Longfellow's estate from Mr. Lemon's widow; then he moved the desk to the Henry Ford Museum located in Dearborn, MI. The Legal name of the museum is The Edison Institute (named after his friend Thomas Edison). This desk was licensed by The Edison Institute (Henry Ford Museum) and made by Colonial Manufacturing Company "Artistry on Mahogany" in Zeeland, Michigan. Henry Ford was a very savvy collector and one of the richest men in the world. His collection grew to become one of the largest of its kind ever assembled. Mr. Ford chose this company in Zeeland, MI. because it has handed down the most skillful craftsman in crafting fines furniture in Zeeland or Michigan. They made the pieces individually, one piece at a time not in a production line. Zeeland was settled primarily by Dutch immigrants, who have a legacy of skill in crafting fine furniture. The company founded in 1906 produced the highest quality mahogany fine furniture and clock cases using the finest cabinetmakers and master craftsman around. In 1930s Henry Ford licensed them exclusively to manufacture an authentic reproduction "a line-for-line copy" of the finest pieces in his collections. These museum copies are extremely rare because they were made in very small numbers and every single piece comes with the museum certification. I believe less than 10 of these desks were ever made. The quality of this piece is over the top. It is a very solid and heavy, it was made of Honduras Mahogany same as the original piece. One of the must intriguing features about this desk is the large (removable) secret compartments consisting of 4 drawers. It is impossible for anyone to find out about it; even if someone been told that t is secret compartment, it would be hard for him or her to figure it out, because the double locking wood mechanisms are well hidden. It is very safe to keep valuables in it. The brass hardware was caste and engraved from the original hardware. This desk has it all; History, Provenance, quality and Craftsman's work. This desk is very rare I never saw another one on the market before. Measuring about 43" x 38" x 21". I bought this desk very recently from a lady, and the disk was always been in her family, she remember it from her childhood. Circa 1940. The family really took care of this desk, it comes with the original paperwork that match the serial number on the desk "2308" . Other than few minor scratches, this desk is in very good condition without damage. Authentic Reproduction: It is a term set & defined by the American Association of Art Museum Directors as "A line-for-line copy of the original object, using the same primary and secondary materials". Museums, foundations & art institutions authorized Furniture Companies to manufacture very limited identical copies "authentic reproduction" of original objects in their collections. Usually a museum or foundation curator oversees the design process, to insure that special details such as engraved hardware and intangible characteristics like depth of finish and patina are being met. These programs called "licensed reproduction programs" Such programs can reassure consumers that high standards for quality and design authenticity are being met. Museums copies are externally rare.