Summary:
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Origination: England, UK
• Item: Davenport Desk
• Wood: Figured walnut
• Raised compartment topped with pierced scroll fretwork gallery
• Green inset gold tooled leather skiver
• Shaped moulded writing slope
• Working lock to writing slope (with working key)
• Scroll shaped & foliate carved supports
• Bead panel front
• Four mahogany lined working drawers to right-hand side
• Faux drawers to left-hand side
• Original turned wooden knobs
• Internal maple lined storage compartment
• Four internal pigeon holes
• Original working locks (no key)
• Turned feet
• Solid brass castors
• Stunning quality
• Excellent condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy
Description:
This is a fine quality antique English Victorian figured walnut & leather Davenport writing desk, circa 1860, in excellent condition.
The Davenport incorporates a raised hinged compartment, with a moulded top and pierced fretwork scroll gallery. This opens to reveal an assortment of compartments, including a pen tray, which lifts out to reveal a further, secret compartment. Below is an overhanging shaped writing slope (allowing the user to sit with their knees underneath), boasting a new green leather skiver insert, decorated with gold tooling. The slope is hinged and opens to reveal a maple lined storage interior, including a set of four faux drawers, above four pigeon holes. The storage area incorporates a brass lever lock and working key to ensure safe keeping of possessions and documents within the interior. Below the writing slope, to the right-hand side, are four hand-dovetailed, graduated mahogany lined drawers. Each drawer retains its original lock and turned wooden knobs. To the left-hand side of the Davenport is a bank of faux drawers. The front of the Davenport is decorated with bead moulding, as well as featuring two scroll shape, foliate carved supports to the overhanging slope. The Davenport rests on turned feet with solid brass castors below.
This antique Davenport 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.
Condition Report:
This is a fine quality antique English Victorian figured walnut & leather Davenport writing desk, circa 1860, in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The desk has been cleaned and French polished by hand to a professional standard in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination is of an excellent standard. The writing slope has been fitted with a new leather skiver; therefore, the leather is in excellent condition. The interior below is fitted with a working brass lever lock (with working key). The drawers below are all smooth running and close flush to the frame. The drawers all retain their original working locks and key, as well as their original turned wooden knobs. The desk stands on its original turned feet with replacement English made top quality solid brass castors. This Victorian Davenport desk is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 90.6cm or 35⅝” or 2ft 11⅝”
External width = 54.1cm or 21¼” or 1ft 9¼”
External depth = 56.6cm or 22¼” or 1ft 10¼”
Writing height (bottom of slope) = 74.5cm or 29⅜” or 2ft 5⅜”
Knee height = 63.9cm or 25⅛” or 2ft 1⅛”
Knee width (between shaped supports) = 40.5cm or 16” or 1ft 4”
Knee width (between support bases) = 37.5cm or 14¾” or 1ft 2¾”
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. 57494