This is a good quality Victorian oak 4ft 2” wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890 – 1900, in very good original condition.
Summary
• Circa 1890 – 1900
• Period Late Victorian
• Wood Fiddle back Oak
• Cabinetmaker Derby desks
• Provenance England, UK
• Width 4ft 2⅛”
• Freestanding / centre room desk
• “S” shaped hinged design
• Solid fielded oak panels
• Brass drop interior handles
• 8 internal drawers
• 24 internal compartments
• 8 graduated drawers to pedestals
• Central lockable drawer
• Large file drawer
• 2 pull-out writing slide supports
• Central modesty board
• Original working lock and keys
• Working locking mechanism
• Excellent original colour & patination
• Free 14 day UK returns policy
Description
This is a good quality late Victorian oak 4ft 2” wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890 – 1900, in very good 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 desks feature good quality pronounced fielded panels.
Constructed with an “S” shaped 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. The pigeonhole drawer linings are constructed of sycamore. The interior houses 8 internal drawers, all of which have brass label holders and brass drop knobs and 24 internal “pigeon hole” compartments.
The bank of drawers is flanked by larger pigeonholes, larger drawers and letter racks. The centre of the desk features two pen trays and along the frame of the inside of the desk are racks to hold letters upright. 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, 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 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 sycamore hand dovetail construction. Each drawer retains its original adjustable partition dividers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornate oak cup handles. The drawer fronts feature a cushion front moulding. Sitting on top of each pedestal are two large pullout-writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. There is a solid oak 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 English roll top desks from the late 19th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is high. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition, but is also original.
The desk features a dark 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 a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report
The desk is in very good condition and is in complete working order. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. 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 central drawer also retains its original working lock and key. The desk boasts its original internal brass label holders 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). 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 a great condition. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions
External height = 127.3cm or 50⅛” or 4ft 2⅛”
External width = 127.3cm or 50⅛” or 4ft 2⅛”
External depth = 82cm or 32¼” or 2ft 8¼”
Writing height = 77cm or 30¼” or 2ft 6¼”
Writing width = 117cm or 46” or 3ft 10”
Writing depth = 72cm or 28⅜” or 2ft 4⅜”
Knee height = 62.3cm or 24½” or 2f 0½”
Knee width (pedestals) = 52.5cm or 20⅝” or 2ft 8⅝”
Knee width (at plinth) = 50cm or 19⅝” or 1ft 7⅝”