Incredible folk-painted lift top desk, the top with a painting of an officer in uniform, head turned in profile, with detail of brass buttons and bullion embroidered collar, the face with long sideburns and what looks like tears falling from the large eyes. The sides of the desk with a loosely painted faux marble grain, all in dry old paint on a sage green ground. The interior of the desk is boldly stenciled with "FEB. 1848, NAC & c." and with what appear to be names in penciled script. (The name Hosner appears more than once.) An exceptional piece of 19th C. American folk painted furniture. Minor losses. Right side of gallery at top of desk is missing. Minor paint loss. Key not present. Approx. 25" x 19 3/4" x 12 1/4" H. Provenance: the estate of John Long, highly regarded Virginia antiques dealer and collector.