Summary:
• Circa: 1890
• Period: Victorian
• Wood: Oak
• Provenance: England, UK
• Width: 4ft 11⅞”
• Freestanding / centre room desk
• “S” shaped design
• Central posting slot in tambour
• Solid fielded oak panels
• Interior brass handles & knobs
• 33 internal drawers
• 15 internal vertical compartments
• 2 pull out writing slide supports
• 8 graduated drawers to pedestals
• 1 Central lockable drawer
• Large filing drawer (right pedestal)
• Central modesty board
• Original working lock and keys
• Working locking mechanism to drawers
• Original polish & patination
• Original condition
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
Here is a stunning quality antique Victorian oak 4ft 11⅞” wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890, in good original condition, made in England using the finest materials on hand at the time. The desktop has been constructed from the best quality oak and the exterior of the desk features good quality pronounced fielded oak panels. The number of small pigeonhole drawers within the top section of the desk denotes the quality of the desk and status of its owner. This desk boasts 33 internal drawers 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 within 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 pigeonhole drawer linings are constructed of rare lacewood. The interior houses 33 internal drawers; the majority of which incorporate brass label holders, with all drawers featuring oak knobs. There are also three secret cushion fronted drawers, which do not feature brass knobs (within the central section).
Four large vertical pigeonholes (on the right hand side of the desk), with twin horizontal pen trays in each corner of the desk, are incorporated into the bank of drawers, with a central letter rack at the centre of the back wall inside the tambour. These large pigeonholes and vertical compartments are ideal for storing paperwork or letters in an upright position.
When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using the original lock and key, the secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal drawers, including the central drawer. When the sliding tambour is opened again, this deactivates the locking mechanism. The original tambour lock and key are in good working order. The central drawer also features the original working lock and key, along with the original decorative shaped key escutcheon.
The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers that are made of top quality sycamore with hand dovetail construction. Each drawer retains its original number of adjustable partition dividers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornately carved oak cup handles. The drawer fronts feature a cushion front moulding. 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 sits on its original steel castors. 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 late 19th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see an example, which is not missing any drawers, but is also in original condition.
The desk features a rich golden oak colour. As it boasts the original polish, 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 good condition and is in complete working order. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, notably to the exterior of the pedestals and plinths, but nothing significant considering its age. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the main work surface area. There are old use marks to the tops of the writing slide supports and inside the drawers (old ink stains). The tambour retains its original working barrel lock and key. There are no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). The desk also retains its original internal secret locking mechanism; when the roll-top is closed, it locks all the drawers including the central drawer. The desk boasts all its internal brass label holders; drawer handles/knobs and sits on its original castors. Please note, the drawers were designed to have only one divider per drawer, the position of which (back to front) can be adjusted; the drawers are not missing multiple dividers. The desk retains its original polish, which is why it has a fantastic colour and patination. 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 = 138cm or 54⅜” or 4ft 6⅜”
External width = 152cm or 59⅞” or 4ft 11⅞”
External depth = 90.8cm or 35¾” or 2ft 11¾”
Writing height = 77.5cm or 30½” or 2ft 6½”
Writing width = 140cm or 55⅛” or 4ft 7⅛”
Writing depth = 80cm or 31½” or 2ft 7½”
Knee height = 60.5cm or 23⅞” or 1ft 11⅞”
Knee width (pedestals) = 62.2cm or 24½” or 2ft ½”
Knee width (at plinth) = 58.6cm or 23” or 1ft 11”
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 28