Summary:
• Item: Bureau / Desk
• Circa: 1780 – 1800
• Period: George III
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Solid Oak
• Oak & mahogany crossbanded fall
• Original & complete interior mahogany & satinwood inlaid interior
• 6 interior drawers featuring brass handles
• Central ‘cubby hole’ with locking cross-banded lockable door
• 2 secret “book shaped” interior drawers
• 2 secret drawers disguised as decorative inlaid trim
• 1 secret drawer in “cubby hole” roof
• 6 Pigeon hole slots to interior
• 2 pull-out fall supports with brass knobs
• Original brass oval handles & backplates to drawers
• Original working locks and key to fall and drawers
• 4 large oak-lined graduated, cross-banded drawers (below fall)
• Cock beaded drawer fronts
• Canted corners (sign of quality)
• Clean oak & pine backboards
• Ogee bracket feet
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy
Description:
Here is a fine quality antique English Georgian oak office bureau desk, circa 1780 – 1800, decorated with mahogany cross-banding and satinwood inlay, displaying a lovely rich colour and patination, in excellent original condition. The bureau is in excellent working order, constructed from solid oak frame, with an oak & mahogany cross-banded moulded fall. The fall retains the original brass hinges and original brass working lever lock (with key). The fall opens to reveal a complete and original interior, comprising of 6 internal drawers featuring small brass handles. The central “cubby hole” door, which is constructed of mahogany, is decorated with classical satinwood Georgian fan inlay, retaining the original working miniature lock and key. The cubby hole boasts a secret pull-out drawer within the roof and is flanked by two secret “book shaped” pull out drawers (ideal places for storing valuables such as money or jewellery!). These drawers are not visible on first inspection, unless you know about them. The book shaped secret drawers are accessed by putting your hand to the back of the cubby-hole, and pushing the back of the secret drawers forward.
The interior also comprises 6 pigeon hole slots, which above this are a further two secret drawers, disguised as decorative trim, constructed from mahogany and satinwood inlay.
The fall is supported by the original two pull-out slides, with the original small brass handles. Below the fall is a bank of four graduated cock beaded drawers, decorated with mahogany cross-banding. The drawers are oak lined, hand dovetailed and feature the original brass oval plate handles and key escutcheons, along with original steel lever locks (all with working keys). The fall retains its original working brass lever locks, with working key. The external frame benefits from canted inlaid corners, which is a sign of quality and superiority, compared to bureaus without. The bureau features clean oak and pine backboards and is raised on a moulded plinth, supported by ogee bracket feet.
This desk would look superb in a variety of rooms, including the office, hallway, living room or dining room. This Georgian bureau would certainly grace any home and is an excellent investment which has stood the test of time. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report:
Here is a fine quality antique English Georgian oak office bureau desk, circa 1780 – 1800, decorated with mahogany cross-banding and satinwood inlay, displaying a lovely rich colour and patination, in excellent original condition, considering its age. Nominal old use marks to the top, leading edges, fall, interior and inside of drawers, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The bureau has been wax-polished by hand, to a professional standard, in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are to an excellent standard. The fall opens easily with no significant warping, which is common with bureaus of this age. The interior is dry and clean, with some old use marks present, but these do not detract from the overall attractiveness of the item. The original brass fall hinges are in good working condition. Age related wear to the external corners of the fall (see photos). The fall retains its original working brass hinges and lever locks, with working key. The interior cubby-hole door also retains its original working lock (with key). The drawers below also feature the original working steel lever locks (with key). The drawers incorporate their original oak hand-dovetailed drawer linings and oak bottoms. The drawers close flush to the frame and feature the original oval brass handles and escutcheons. The bureau retains its original backboards and is raised on a moulded plinth, terminating on ogee bracket feet, which have been restored, to ensure they are firm and fit for purpose. Evidence of historical woodworm to the backboards and drawer linings, which has been thoroughly treated. This Georgian bureau is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 104.8cm or 41¼” or 3ft 5¼”
External width = 110.5cm or 43½” or 3ft 7½”
External depth = 52.1cm or 20½” or 1ft 8½”
Writing height = 75cm or 29½” or 2ft 5½”
Writing width = 102.4cm or 40¼” or 3ft 4¼”
Writing depth = 60cm or 23⅝” or 1ft 11⅝”
Knee Height (with fall open) = 73.2cm or 28¾” or 2ft4¾”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 54457