Victorian Mahogany Desk by Lamb of Manchester

Here is an example of a superb quality antique Victorian 4ft mahogany and leather knee hole desk, circa 1860, made by the renowned cabinetmakers, James Lamb of Manchester.

Summary
• Circa 1860
• Period Mid Victorian
• Wood Solid mahogany
• Size 4ft wide x 2ft deep
• Cabinetmaker Lamb of Manchester
• Thumb moulded top
• Turned mahogany knobs
• Sage green & gold tool leather
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Mahogany lined drawers
• Moulded cushion drawer fronts
• 9 working graduated drawers
• Significant storage space
• Original rounded plinths
• Fantastic original colour
• Excellent condition
• Excellent quality
• 14 day free UK returns policy

Here is an example of a superb quality antique Victorian 4ft mahogany and leather knee hole desk, circa 1860, made by the renowned cabinetmakers, James Lamb of Manchester. The desk boasts a dark sage green & gold tool leather flanked a by a rounded thumb moulded edge top. Below, there are 4 large working graduated drawers to each pedestal and a central drawer above the kneehole area. The front of the desk boasts moulded cushion fronts drawers (this is a sign of top quality) along with the original turned mahogany knobs. The hand dovetailed drawer linings and drawer bottoms are constructed of top quality solid mahogany, they even feature quarter beading in the drawer linings (another sign of quality) feature lovely quality thumb moulded fronts. The top left hand drawer is stamped “Lamb of Manchester”. Below, the pedestals feature traditional Victorian round corner plinths.

The desk boasts a mellow brown mahogany 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 a great investment, as they are an extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Provenance
Lamb of Manchester were distinguished cabinetmakers during the mid Victorian period in Manchester. Born in 1816, James Lamb joined his family’s cabinet making business and developed it into one of the most well respected and prestigious cabinetmakers of their time, providing interior design services and top quality furniture for the wealthy industrial families in the north of England. Their work was finally recognised on the international stage, when they were awarded medals at the London 1862 Exhibition and the Paris 1867 Exhibition. James Lamb died in 1903 his obituary appeared in The Journal of Decorative Art and British Decorators where it was quoted “His name was a synonym for the best in everything that he did from 1850 – 1885, and he towered over everybody in Lancashire and Yorkshire as maker of high class furniture. His name for 50 years stood as a landmark for all that was best in both spheres of industrial art”. Lamb of Manchester helped nurture upcoming talent in their industry with the likes of designers such as Charles Bevan, Bruce Talbert and W. J. Estall, worked for Lamb of Manchester during their careers.

Condition Report:
This desk is in very good condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges of the desk and one shake in the timber to one side of the desk, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. Some ink stains to top drawers. The hand-dovetailed drawers are constructed of solid mahogany. The green leather is in excellent condition with no marks, damage or stains. We offer a leather replacement service, if you prefer different colour leather please contact us for a quote. This item is solid in joint the desk does not wobble and is ready to use.

Dimensions:
External height = 74.5cm or 29⅜” or 2ft 5⅜”
External width = 122cm or 48” or 4ft
External depth = 61cm or 24” or 2ft
Knee height = 58cm or 22⅞” or 1ft 10⅞”
Knee width (body) = 44cm or 17¼” or 1ft 5¼”