Description
Spectacular Quality Walnut Antique Davenport Desk
This Spectacular Quality Late 19th Century Walnut Antique Davenport Desk dates from circa, 1870 and is a real stunning piece. It has a small raised back above a hinged sloping fall front writing surface with tooled leather and moulded edge. The interior has several pigeon holes and a faux drawer with two turned handles (one pull out handle to unlock the small side drawer). The side has a small hinged drawer with pen holder and two ink wells above four four working drawers and four faux drawers on the opposite side. This stunning antique desk has elegant scrolled supports, stands on turned bun feet and the Walnut is a a golden shade with a striking grain, good patina, is in very good condition and has been beautifully cleaned using a traditional form of furniture wax finishing.
Approximate Dimensions are:
Height: 83 cm / 32.5 inches
Width: 56 cm / 22 inches
Depth : 55 cm / 21.5 inches
Ref No: 08580
Please click on antique furniture image for larger photo.
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Two man assembled delivery – Quote upon Request
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What is an Antique Davenport Desk?
The antique davenport desk was first recorded in the George III period of 1790, in the records of the renowned cabinet maker Gillows of Lancaster and it states ‘Captain Davenport desk’. It was built and commissioned for Captain Davenport and was the first example of this type of small Mahogany writing desk, called by the captain’s name. During the late Georgian and Victorian eras, the davenport was mainly used by the Lady and would have of a small chest of drawers with a desk on top. The antique davenport desk changed very little in design over the many years it was in production. Most antique davenports have four drawers that open at one side (Sometimes concealed by a cupboard door ) and has faux drawer fronts on the opposite side. These 19th Century desks are fitted with casters at the bottom so they can be moved around easily and the sloping lid will have a leather writing surface that lifts up on a hinge. The best examples have a ‘piano top’ whereby the top looks like the back of a piano, when pushed on, it opens up revealing lots of lovely compartments, usually built in a Burr Walnut. The Victorian davenport desk was more elaborately decorated with scrolled or turned supports that allow a recessed space for more leg room. Inlay, decorative brass, fretwork carvings and wood turned knobs was used.
