This is a superb quality antique Edwardian Ladies rosewood and leather inlaid marquetry cylinder desk made by Ray & Miles Cabinet Makers of Liverpool, circa 1910, in excellent condition.
Summary
• Circa 1910
• Period Edwardian
• Provenance Liverpool, England
• Cabinet Maker Ray & Miles
• Wood Rosewood
• “D” shaped cylindrical top
• Freestanding 2ft 7⅛” wide desk
• Open inlaid fretwork gallery
• Inlaid marquetry to exterior & drawer fronts
• Pull-out green leather writing base
• 8 internal pigeon holes
• 3 internal drawers
• 2 external secret drawers
• Working locks & keys
• Original brassware
• Hand dovetailed mahogany drawer linings
• String inlay to tapered legs
• Original brown mug castors
• Excellent condition & quality
• Free 14 day UK Returns
This is a superb quality antique Edwardian Ladies rosewood and leather inlaid marquetry cylinder desk, circa 1910, in excellent condition, made by the renowned cabinet makers, Ray & Miles of Liverpool, England. The top of the of desk features a pretty gothic shaped open fretwork gallery with a central plaque inlaid with marquetry and refined finials in each corner. To the front of the desk, the sliding cylindrical roll-top features stunning satinwood inlaid floral marquetry, along with string inlay to the border. There is also a working lock and key to cylinder. The cylinder slides open to reveal a bank of pigeonholes and three internal hand-dovetailed drawers. The central drawer features a working lock and key. The desk features a pretty inset green leather and gold tool pullout-writing base, which increases the writing space available. The pullout-writing base features the original brass knobs likewise, the cylinder and external drawer fronts feature the original brass knobs and handles. Below, there are three mahogany-lined hand dovetailed working drawers the central drawer features a working lock and key. The drawer fronts are also inlaid with further satinwood marquetry and string inlay. The two outer drawers are secret. Pushing a wooden lever to the underside of the drawer bottoms activates a spring-loaded mechanism, pushing the drawers open. The desk boasts a pretty shaped frieze incorporating turned finials. The frame and tapering legs of the desk are also inlaid with satinwood marquetry and string inlay. The desk sits on four elegant satinwood string inlaid tapering legs, which terminate on square brass plates and the original brown mug castors. It is rare to see a cylindrical desk displaying such quality in excellent working condition.
Ray and Miles were renowned cabinet makers based in 34-38 London Road, Liverpool, England, who were first established in 1864. They built and retailed top quality furniture and upholstery during the later part of the Victorian and Edwardian period, along with early part of the 20th century. Their main customer base was the industrial powerhouse region of the North West of England but also sold furniture further afield. The company was later purchased by Maples of London in 1959 (which was an indication of how Ray & Miles were high admired in the furniture industry), which itself fell into receivership in 1997.
The desk features a rich dark brown rosewood 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 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 they it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report
The desk is in excellent working condition. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and drawer fronts but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There are no missing drawers or compartments to the interior. There are no ink or water stains on the top of the desktop (which is common on these desks). As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination. The cylinder roll-top opens freely. The leather writing pad is in excellent condition and is free from any damage or marks. The desk boasts hand-dovetailed mahogany lined drawers and its original external brass knobs and handles. The desk is solid in joint and ready to use. All in all, this in a stunning item ready to be used.
Dimensions
External height = 104.2cm or 41” or 3ft 5”
External width = 79.2cm or 31⅛” or 2ft 7⅛”
External depth = 49cm or 19¼” or 1ft 7¼”
Knee height (centre) = 55.6cm or 21⅞” or 1ft 9⅞”
Writing height = 72.5cm or 28½” or 2ft 4½”