A rare and fascinating piece of historical furniture, 'The Purefoy Cabinet' is an Italian writing desk of the late 17th century. It was acquired by Mrs Elizabeth Purefoy of Shalstone in Buckinghmshire in the 1740's and adapted by the addition of a cabriole leg stand and hinged lid to form a cabinet to contain the Purefoy Letters. These are acknowledged to be among the primary records of life in upper middle-class English Society during the first three quarters of the 18th century and are used constantly as reference by historians internationally. The original letters are in the Buckingham Museum in Aylesbury but are reproduced in two volumes which are offered with the Cabinet. PLACE OF ORIGIN: Italy DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1690 PERIOD: 17th Century CONDITION: Excellent WEAR: Wear consistent with age and use HEIGHT: 5 ft. 2 in. (157 cm) WIDTH: 37 in. (94 cm) DEPTH: 16 in. (41 cm) DEALER LOCATION: London, United Kingdom NUMBER OF ITEMS: 1