Victorian Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk with Leather Top and Ink Well

A small mid 19th century flame mahogany writing desk of absolutely superb quality, with the original tooled leather top, hidden pen tray and ink well, concealed frieze drawer, and beautifully turned legs and stretchers standing on Cope and Collinson brass castors.

This is one of the nicest tables/desks we’ve ever had the pleasure to own. The quality is absolutely faultless - there is no makers mark or badge, but I think it must have been built by a very competent cabinetmaker. The turned legs and stretcher are my favourite element - absolutely beautifully done. The desk top has a green tooled leather surface which as far as we can tell is original. At the rear of the desk is a little compartment with a lift up lid, containing a storage area for pens and space for an ink pot - this is of dovetailed construction, even though you can only see the dovetails if you take the drawer out and look under the top. The freize drawer has a hidden finger pull recess underneath, and is made from mahogany throughout with very delicate little dovetails. The drawer is shaped to fit around the pen/ink storage area. The Cope and Collinson patent castors run freely, but are badly tarnished and the name stamp is barely legible.

The desk is of quite compact proportions so I assume would have been intended as a ‘ladies desk’. The back is finished so it can stand in the centre of the room, or in front of a window, if desired. It would be a pleasure to use as desk, but would also make a lovely dressing table, hall table or side table. It dates from c1850 - 1860.

Condition: As mentioned above the castors are badly tarnished/discoloured, but they run freely and are strong and secure. There is a small piece of veneer missing next to the pen/ink storage compartment. One leg has suffered a break in the past, just above the castor, but it has been very neatly repaired. There are some minor surface scratches and scuffs, but overall this is in very good condition with a nice surface patina.

Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help.

Please note that delivery of all items is included for UK mainland deliveries only. If you are in the EU or the USA smaller/postable items will show a price including delivery. DELIVERY FOR ANY LARGER ITEMS, OR ITEMS OF FURNITURE, IS NOT INCLUDED OUTSIDE OF THE MAINLAND UK. Please get in touch for a quote for delivery, or if you have any queries.

This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch! We accept returns for all items providing the item is returned in the same condition as when it was sent. The cost of any return postage or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item has arrived damaged or has not been described accurately.