Summary:

• Item: Davenport Writing Desk
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Burr walnut
• Extensive boxwood marquetry decoration
• Raised hinged compartment top
• Original brass gallery
• Black inset leather
• Moulded overhanging writing slope
• Turned & foliate carved writing slope supports
• Four mahogany lined working drawers to right-hand side
• Quarter beaded drawers (sign of quality)
• Faux drawers to left-hand side
• Original turned wooden knobs
• Internal maple lined storage compartment
• Original working locks (with keys)
• Original brass & mug castors
• Excellent original condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy

 Description:

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian burr walnut Davenport writing desk, circa 1860, in excellent original condition.  The surface of the desk is decorated with stunning boxwood marquetry detail all over.  The Davenport writing desk incorporates a raised hinged compartment, with a moulded top, retaining the original brass gallery, which opens to reveal an assortment of compartments, including a pen tray.  An overhanging writing slope in front (allows the user to sit with their knees underneath), boasts a black & gold tool leather insert.  The writing slope retains its original lock which, when unlocked, allows the lid to be opened.  The lid is secured open by a brass internal stay.  Inside the writing slope is a maple lined storage area.  The overhanging slope is supported by two decorative turned vertical supports, on carved feet.  Below the writing slope, to the right-hand side, are four hand-dovetailed, graduated mahogany lined and quarter beaded drawers.  Each drawer retains its original lock and turned wooden knobs. To the left-hand side of the Davenport writing desk is a bank of faux drawers.  The Davenport legs rest on its original brass castors.  The desk is freestanding, with all sides French polished, therefore could be situated in the centre of a room if necessary.

This antique Davenport desk would look superb in a variety of rooms from the bedroom, living room or office. This item would certainly grace any home and is a great investment as it is an extremely functional item. This is a truly excellent piece with quality design and construction throughout.  So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

History of the Davenport Desk:

This desk owes its name to a Captain Davenport who was the first to commission the design, from Gillows of Lancaster, near the end of the 18th century. In a sense, then, it could also be considered a Campaign desk, though there are no records indicating if Captain Davenport was in the British Army or the Royal Navy. The design was ingenious and practical because it consumed so little space in an officers’ cabin on a ship.  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davenport_desk

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English Victorian burr walnut Davenport writing desk, decorated with extensive boxwood detail, circa 1860, in excellent original condition.  Nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item.  The leather is clean and free from any rips, tears and stains. The drawers are all smooth running and close flush to the frame. The drawers all retain their original working locks (with no key), as well as their original turned wooden knobs.  Similarly, the lock to the writing slope lid is original (with no key). As the desk retains its original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and the years of care and cleaning it has received.  This antique Davenport desk is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

External Height = 86.5cm / 34” / 2ft 10”
External Width (Includes Drawer Knobs) = 54cm / 21¼” / 1ft 9¼”
External Depth = 54cm / 21¼” / 1ft 9¼”
Writing Height (Bottom of Slope) = 71.5cm / 28⅛” / 2ft 4⅛”
Knee Height = 62cm / 24⅜”/ 2ft 0⅜”
Knee Width (Between Shaped supports) = 41.5cm / 16⅜”/ 1ft 4⅜”

Terms & Conditions

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Ref. 78236