What is the historical origin of the nineteenth-century pedestal desk?

Pedestal desks evolved during the eighteenth century and became widely popular in the nineteenth century, designed to provide substantial workspace and integrated storage for professional studies and offices.

What traditional materials and construction methods are used in this type of furniture?

These pieces typically feature solid timber frames finished with decorative wood veneers such as burr walnut or mahogany, often complemented by inset leather writing surfaces and hand-cut dovetail joints in the drawers.

How can one identify authentic pieces from this period?

Authentic nineteenth-century pieces exhibit period-appropriate construction markers such as hand-beveled drawer linings, traditional iron or brass fixings, and natural timber oxidisation beneath secondary wood surfaces.

How does one style this item in a contemporary interior?

Integrating this piece into a modern setting involves pairing its warm wood tones and classical silhouette with minimalist seating and neutral architectural backgrounds to create a balanced focal point.

What are the best practices for the care and preservation of antique wood and leather?

Preservation requires maintaining stable room humidity away from direct heat sources, applying appropriate beeswax polish to nourish the wood, and using specialized leather balms to prevent cracking on writing inserts.

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19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Name: 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1112265
Price: 1695 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

Sold 1 July 2025 · Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

This “19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antiques Decorative (Sussex). Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

19th-century figured walnut twin pedestal desk

19th-century burr walnut twin pedestal desk, with eight graduated drawers and a central drawer together with a lovely green tooled leather top.

This walnut desk is very much in the Gillows style.

Seated on a plinth base with inset casters, and comes in three parts, thus making the desk very easy to move.

Made from beautifully figured walnut which retains a superb patina and warm colour.

Handles and locks have been replaced, and a key is available for the central drawer.

Our 19th Century Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Desk is a classic piece of furniture from the 19th century that exudes elegance and sophistication. Made from the finest materials and crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this desk is a testament to the skill of the cabinetmakers of the era.

The desk features a large, rectangular top, typically with a leather writing surface that has been embossed or gilded. The surface is often inset with a series of drawers and compartments, providing ample storage for writing utensils, papers, and other office supplies. The drawers are often fitted with ornate brass handles and lock mechanisms, adding to the desk's overall elegance and charm.

The desk's base is typically constructed from two or three pedestals, each of which supports the weight of the top. The pedestals are often decorated with intricate carvings, inlays, or veneers of burr walnut, a prized wood that was highly sought after for its rich, warm tone and unique grain patterns. The legs are typically turned or fluted, adding to the desk's overall aesthetic appeal.

The burr walnut pedestal desk was a popular piece of furniture in the 19th century, favoured by both professionals and the wealthy. It was often used as a status symbol, signalling the owner's success and sophistication. Today, these desks are highly prized by collectors and antique enthusiasts, who appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

If you are fortunate enough to own a burr walnut pedestal desk, it is important to care for it properly. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause the wood to fade or warp over time. Clean the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.

In conclusion, the burr walnut pedestal desk is a timeless piece of furniture that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th century. It is a testament to the skill of the artisans who crafted it and it remains a highly sought-after piece of furniture today. Whether used as a functional workspace or displayed as a piece of art, the burr walnut pedestal desk is a true treasure that is sure to impress for generations to come.

Made in England circa 1880.

Price includes Delivery UK mainland

Condition

We have had the desk cleaned and antique waxed.

Antique condition, with some scratches and chips to the plinth. The previous repair for wood splitting at the rear does not affect the beauty or structure of the piece. The leather is worn with some nicks and scratches but still has lots of character

Measurements

Length 130 cm- 51.5 inches

Height 76 cm 30.5 inches

Depth 74 cm 29.5 inches

Please contact us for high-resolution images- or we can arrange mutually convenient virtual viewing.

free UK mainland shipping

Contact us if you require high-resolution images, or we can arrange mutually convenient virtual viewing.

For your peace of mind, we offer 21 days of returns- The buyer pays return shipping

Worldwide shipping available – Contact us for international rates

Customer support – We are happy to assist with combined shipping, special requests, or custom delivery options

Interior designers, designing your next project, we are happy to hold or reserve items for 14 days.

Date of Manufacture

Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this Burr Walnut Pedestal Desk to the 1870s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

130cm (51.18")

Depth

74cm (29.13")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1112265

Dealers Notes

Shipping Options Delivery Time Price

Furniture Shipping UK Delivery in 1-2 weeks £75

Paintings UK, £35

Paintings rest of world please contact for a quote

EU Furniture delivery Contact us for a quote delivery within 4 weeks

*International delivery buyers are responsible for import charges and local taxes*

**Worldwide delivery Contact us for a quote**

For payments don't hesitate to get in touch with us for Visa/credit/bank transfer.

Description

19th-century figured walnut twin pedestal desk

“

19th-century burr walnut twin pedestal desk, with eight graduated drawers and a central drawer together with a lovely green tooled leather top.

Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

This walnut desk is very much in the Gillows style.

fig 1. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 1. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Seated on a plinth base with inset casters, and comes in three parts, thus making the desk very easy to move.

Made from beautifully figured walnut which retains a superb patina and warm colour.

Handles and locks have been replaced, and a key is available for the central drawer.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 2. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Our 19th Century Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Desk is a classic piece of furniture from the 19th century that exudes elegance and sophistication. Made from the finest materials and crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this desk is a testament to the skill of the cabinetmakers of the era.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 3. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

The desk features a large, rectangular top, typically with a leather writing surface that has been embossed or gilded. The surface is often inset with a series of drawers and compartments, providing ample storage for writing utensils, papers, and other office supplies. The drawers are often fitted with ornate brass handles and lock mechanisms, adding to the desk's overall elegance and charm.

fig 4. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 4. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

The desk's base is typically constructed from two or three pedestals, each of which supports the weight of the top. The pedestals are often decorated with intricate carvings, inlays, or veneers of burr walnut, a prized wood that was highly sought after for its rich, warm tone and unique grain patterns. The legs are typically turned or fluted, adding to the desk's overall aesthetic appeal.

fig 5. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 5. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

The burr walnut pedestal desk was a popular piece of furniture in the 19th century, favoured by both professionals and the wealthy. It was often used as a status symbol, signalling the owner's success and sophistication. Today, these desks are highly prized by collectors and antique enthusiasts, who appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

fig 6. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 6. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

If you are fortunate enough to own a burr walnut pedestal desk, it is important to care for it properly. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause the wood to fade or warp over time. Clean the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.

fig 7. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 7. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

In conclusion, the burr walnut pedestal desk is a timeless piece of furniture that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th century. It is a testament to the skill of the artisans who crafted it and it remains a highly sought-after piece of furniture today. Whether used as a functional workspace or displayed as a piece of art, the burr walnut pedestal desk is a true treasure that is sure to impress for generations to come.

fig 8. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 8. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Made in England circa 1880.

Price includes Delivery UK mainland

Condition

We have had the desk cleaned and antique waxed.

Antique condition, with some scratches and chips to the plinth. The previous repair for wood splitting at the rear does not affect the beauty or structure of the piece. The leather is worn with some nicks and scratches but still has lots of character

fig 9. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 9. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Measurements

Length 130 cm- 51.5 inches

Height 76 cm 30.5 inches

Depth 74 cm 29.5 inches

Please contact us for high-resolution images- or we can arrange mutually convenient virtual viewing.

free UK mainland shipping

fig 10. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 10. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

For your peace of mind, we offer 21 days of returns- The buyer pays return shipping

Worldwide shipping available – Contact us for international rates

fig 11. A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. — fig 11. 19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Customer support – We are happy to assist with combined shipping, special requests, or custom delivery options

Interior designers, designing your next project, we are happy to hold or reserve items for 14 days.

Date of Manufacture

Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this Burr Walnut Pedestal Desk to the 1870s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

130cm (51.18")

Depth

74cm (29.13")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1112265

About the Dealer

Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

Sellingantiques verified Since May 2024

Timeless treasures: elevate your space with decorative art and antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antiques Decorative (Sussex) Profile Page

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A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut.

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19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

Archive II

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Archive III

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View III

Archive IV

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View IV

Archive V

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View V

Archive VI

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View VI

Archive VII

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View VII

Archive VIII

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View VIII

Archive IX

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View IX

Archive X

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View X

Archive XI

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View XI

Archive XII

A nineteenth-century pedestal desk featuring a dark leather inset top and multiple drawers crafted from figured burr walnut. View XII

Antiques Decorative (Sussex)

19th Century Fine Quality Burr Walnut Desk

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