Victorian Mahogany Roll Top Derby Pedestal Desk

This is a superb quality Victorian mahogany 5ft wide roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890, in excellent original condition, made by Derby of Boston Massachusetts, USA.

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Summary
• Circa 1890
• Period Late Victorian
• Wood Fiddle back Mahogany
• Cabinetmaker Derby desks
• Provenance Boston Massachusetts, USA
• Width 5ft
• Freestanding centre room desk
• “S” shaped hinged design
• Solid fielded mahogany panels
• Original cast fretwork brass handles
• 17 internal drawers
• 18 internal compartments
• 8 graduated drawers to pedestals
• Central drawer
• Filing drawer
• 2 pull-out writing slide supports
• Central modesty board
• Original working lock and keys
• Working locking mechanism
• Excellent colour & patination
• Original condition
• Free 14 day UK returns policy

Description
This is a superb quality Victorian mahogany 5ft wide roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890, in excellent original condition, made by Derby of Boston Massachusetts, USA using the finest materials on hand at this time. The outer frame and desktop has been constructed from the best quality fiddle back figured mahogany. The exterior of the desks feature good quality fielded panels with decorative beaded mouldings.

Constructed with an “S” shaped hinged design to the top section, the desk was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room. The sliding tambour can be moved up and down to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments inside. The pigeonhole drawer linings are constructed of lacewood. The interior houses 17 internal drawers and 18 internal compartments, all of which retain their original brass label holders.

When the tambour is raised, the “s” shaped sides can be unlocked and opened outwards to reveal an open plan desktop. The centre of the desk features two pullout pen trays. The bank of drawers is flanked by larger pigeonholes and letter racks. When the sliding tambour is closed, the original secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal drawers, except 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 features also features the original working lock and key.

The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers that are made of top quality cherry wood with hand dovetail construction. Each drawer retains its original adjustable cherry wood partition dividers. The bottom right drawer features a large filing drawer. The drawers retain their original and very ornate cast brass fretwork drop handles. The drawer fronts feature inset carved beaded mouldings. 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 mahogany 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 sections for easy storage or transportation.

This desk is a truly classic example of American roll top Derby desks from the late 19th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed second to none. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition but which is also original.

The desk features a rich red mahogany colour. 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 a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Provenance
This desk was made by Derby of Boston Massachusetts, USA, using the finest materials on hand at the time. It would have most likely been shipped over to England, where well known retailers such as Maple & Co. of Manchester or Harrods, would have sold it on.

Condition Report
The desk is in excellent original condition. It has recently been cleaned and is in complete working order. There are no missing drawers or compartments to the interior. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the desktop (which are common on these desks). The desk retains its original working secret locking mechanism when the roll-top is closed which locks all the drawers except the central drawer, which has its own lock and key. The desk boasts its original internal brass label holders and drawer handles and sits on its original castors. There are also no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. The internal pedestal drawer linings are constructed of cherry wood and the pigeonholes of lace wood the frame of the desk is constructed from the best fiddle back mahogany. It is rare to see a roll top desk displaying such quality in a great condition. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions
External height = 130cm or 51⅛” or 4ft 3⅛”
External width = 152.8cm or 60⅛” or 5ft 0⅛”
External depth = 92.3cm or 36½”or 3ft 0½”
Writing height = 78.4cm or 30⅞” or 2ft 6⅞”
Writing width = 139.4cm or 54⅞”or 4ft 6⅞”
Writing depth = 81.3cm or 32” or 2ft 8”
Knee height = 64.4cm or 25⅜” or 2ft 1⅜”
Knee width (pedestals) = 60cm or 23⅝” or 1ft 11⅝”
Knee width (at plinth) = 57.5cm or 22⅝” or 1ft 10⅝”