Pennsylvania secretary (continued)

Our Expert

The small door in the gallery of 18th century desks opens to reveal additional pigeon holes and/or drawers. Although the drawers appear to be fitted to the desk, they are often fitted to a "prospect" box which slides out to reveal hidden compartments. In order to allow the prospect box to slide out and clear the door, the door must swing beyond ninety degrees. This is accomplished by mounting the barrel of the door hinges beyond the edge of the door stile.

I use a large writing surface hinge for the door. I order the hinge blank (without screw holes) and bore the holes near the end of the hinge leaf. 

The horizontal dividers in the desk gallery are 3/16" thick, the vertical dividers are 3/8" thick and shaped along the edge to appear as two 3/16" dividers sandwiched together. I shape the 3/16" divider withAmana Tool no.54163 and the 3/8" divider with Amana Tool no.54293.