A Fine Antique Mahogany Pedestal Desk (Circa 1840)

Antique desks from the later part of the 19th Century, like many items of furniture from that period, are invariably well made from good quality materials. However, because they were often the product of highly mechanised workshops, their design can lack the singular appeal of an earlier desk, such as this fine mahogany late William IV - early Victorian example (1835 - 1845). It has the hallmarks of being a one-off commission and a collaboration between the client and maker. Its appearance is simple but attractive, not burdened with Victorian excess, but from a period known for its refined and understated design. The cabinet maker has achieved the difficult balance of retaining a desk's visual appeal and usability. Its finely dovetailed and lockable drawers are steeply graduated in size - six are opened with a well-defined gadrooned knob (fashionable during this period). The top three drawers would be visually overpowered if they too bore a wooden handle, so they have always been opened by a key (all supplied). You may see from the images that the top locks are different from the rest - over the lifetime of a desk, it's not unusual for its locks to be removed or lost. So, to rectify this we commissioned a highly skilled locksmith to make three replacements (cleverly making sure these keys fitted the original locks as well). Another benefit of having steeply graduated drawers is the middle draw now sits slightly higher than normal at 63.5 cm, providing that all-important extra legroom. The photographs clearly show the maker paid as much attention to the back of this pedestal desk as they did to the front, enabling it to be moved to the centre of a room if so desired (wooden casters sit underneath each pedestal). This handsome period desk has been traditionally and sensitively restored, and its leather writing surface replaced with a fine quality hand-dyed and decorated hide.

Whenever possible Culvertons undertake the carriage of items within London and the home counties. Professional, competitive and trusted couriers and shipping companies are engaged for deliveries for the remainder of our customers. Smaller items, when instructed, will be carefully parcelled and securely sent by the carrier.

We strive to accurately describe and illustrate our stock on the 'Selling Antiques' website. However, we understand that it is not always possible to judge from photographs how an item will look in the home or garden. For this reason, if notified within seven days from the date of delivery we offer a full refund (less any agreed carriage costs) once the item has been returned in the same condition as it left our premises.