Summary:
• Circa: 1910
• Period: Edwardian
• Wood: Oak
• Provenance: England, UK
• Width: 4ft 2⅜”
• Stunning interior
• Freestanding / centre room desk
• “S” shaped design
• Posting slots either side of tambour
• Solid fielded oak panels
• Original interior turned knobs & brass label holders
• 27 internal drawers
• 5 internal vertical compartments
• 2 pull out writing slide supports
• 7 graduated drawers to pedestals
• Large filing drawer (right pedestal)
• Central modesty board
• Original working lock and key
• Working locking mechanism to pedestal drawers
• Original polish & patination
• Original excellent condition
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
Here is a fabulous quality antique English Edwardian oak 4ft 2” wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1910, with a stunning interior, in excellent original condition. The desk has been constructed from the best quality oak and the exterior of the desk features good quality pronounced fielded (bevel edged) oak panels. The number of small drawers within the top section of the desk denotes the quality of the desk and status of its owner. This desk boasts 27 internal drawers and 5 vertical pigeonholes to the top section! Most roll tops do not have half this number of drawers!
Constructed with an “S” shaped design to the top section, the desk was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room. There is a narrow opening each side of the desk, just below the tambour (see photos) to allow people to post letters through the slot addressed to the owner of the desk, whilst the desk was closed. The sliding tambour can be lifted up to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments. The interior houses 27 internal drawers, 8 of which incorporate decorative brass label holders. All drawers feature turned knobs and there is also a vertical paper tidy draw. Incorporated into the bank of drawers are five vertical pigeonhole compartments, ideal for storing paperwork or letters in an upright position. The wooden dividers that separate the pigeonholes can be removed to provide larger single storage spaces if desired. A letter rack is also situated at the back of the ‘cubby hole’ to the centre of the drawers.
When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using the original lock and working key, the secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal. When the sliding tambour is opened again, this deactivates the locking mechanism. The original tambour lock and key are in working order.
The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornately carved oak cup handles. Sitting on top of each pedestal are two large pull-out writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. There is a solid oak fielded panel modesty board in between the two pedestals at the back of the desk. The desk dismantles into three main sections for easy storage or transportation.
This desk is a truly classic example of English roll top desks from the early 20th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see an example, which is not only missing no drawers, but is also in excellent original condition, with such a large number of drawers.
The desk features a mellow golden oak colour. It has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.
This desk would look superb in a variety of rooms from the work place to the home office. The desk would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report:
The desk is in excellent original condition and is in complete working order. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the main desktop. There are old use marks to the tops of the writing slide supports and insides of the drawers (e.g. old ink stains). The tambour retains its original working barrel lock, with a working key. There are no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). The desk incorporates an internal secret locking mechanism; when the roll-top is closed, it locks all the drawers. The desk boasts all its original internal decorative brass label holders and turned knobs. The desk has been French polished in our workshops. It is rare to see a roll top desk displaying such quality in such good condition. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 126.6cm or 49⅞” or 4ft 1⅞”
External width = 128cm or 50⅜” or 4ft 2⅜”
External depth (including handles) = 81.5cm or 32” or 2ft 8”
Writing height = 77.7cm or 30⅝” or 2ft 6⅝”
Writing width = 117.3cm or 46⅛” or 3ft 10⅛”
Writing depth = 72.5cm or 28½” or 2ft 4½”
Knee height = 69.1cm or 27¼” or 2ft 3¼”
Knee width (pedestals) = 52.5cm or 20⅝” or 1ft 8⅝”
Knee width (at plinth) = 50.3cm or 19⅞” or 1ft 7⅞”
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. Roll Top Desk 33