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ID #SA1196697
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Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890
Lincoln Restorations
for sale €889     $965
£760
Lincoln Restorations

Lincoln Restorations

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2021
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    Specialist antique furniture and safe restorers. - to buy from US, please visit our website and search for the item number (numbers only) -
Id #SA1196697
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Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

1900 - 1920
Description

Outstanding Diminutive Inlaid Ladies Writing Desk.

An incredibly rare and wonderfully ornate piece.

We are delighted to offer this truly fantastic and rare diminutive English Edwardian (late Victorian) Rosewood Ladies' writing desk, crafted circa 1890. A refined take on the Bonheur du Jour style, this piece is defined by its elegant proportions and exceptional craftsmanship. The Rosewood retains its original, sympathetically preserved French polished finish , which has aged to a beautiful, lightly faded tone that highlights the sophisticated grain.

The desk is heavily ornamented with intricate marquetry and boxwood inlays , including a neo-classical foliate scroll design on the raised gallery and fine stringing following the contours of the slender, tapered legs. These legs are connected by a graceful 'H' stretcher and rest on their original polished brass castors on brown porcelain wheels with square ferrules. The sloped writing surface is inset with a full-grain green leather , decorated with ornate gold tooling and a central gilded rose medallion. Opening the slope reveals a spacious interior that we have carefully restored with a new green baize lining . Notably, the desk is remarkably complete, retaining its original working brass box lock with original key , along with the two original cobalt blue glass ink pots tucked into their dedicated gallery wells.

Modern Versatility

While historically a piece for correspondence, this desk is incredibly useful in a modern environment. Its compact proportions make it a perfect small desk for typing or using a laptop , with the added practical bonus of being able to store your device inside the baize-lined interior and lock it securely away when not in use. As an added benefit, the back of the desk is also fully finished and polished, providing the flexibility to place it as a freestanding centrepiece if desired.

Condition Report

Every inch of the piece has been meticulously cleaned, waxed, and checked over in our workshop . Having undergone a sympathetic restoration, the desk is structurally sound with no loose joints , ensuring it is in fantastic, home-ready condition. Please note that while it is in beautiful condition, as an antique item it may show minor age-related imperfections which only add to its character.

Dimensions

Height to top of rear shelf: 1045 mm

Height to lowest part of writing slope: 710mm

Height to inkwell area: 760mm

Kneehole height: 620mm

Width: 540mm

Depth: 485mm

Interior size

Height at back: 100mm

Height at front: 55mm

Width: 450mm

Depth: 400mm

Delivery

*Private insured courier normally £60 for this item, enquire for accurate quote*

Physical Dimensions
Height
104cm (40.94")
Width
54cm (21.26")
Depth
48cm (18.90")
Declaration

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1196697
Dealers Notes

To place an order with us or see the services we offer, please visit our website.

To find an item quickly on our website, use the selling antiques item number (omitting the SA) in the search bar at the top of the page on our website.

- www.lincolnrestorations.co.uk -

Description
Outstanding Diminutive Inlaid Ladies Writing Desk.

An incredibly rare and wonderfully ornate piece.

We are delighted to offer this truly fantastic and rare diminutive English Edwardian (late Victorian) Rosewood Ladies' writing desk, crafted circa 1890.
Lincoln Restorations

A refined take on the Bonheur du Jour style, this piece is defined by its elegant proportions and exceptional craftsmanship. The Rosewood retains its original, sympathetically preserved French polished finish , which has aged to a beautiful, lightly faded tone that highlights the sophisticated grain.

fig 1. A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
fig 1. Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

The desk is heavily ornamented with intricate marquetry and boxwood inlays , including a neo-classical foliate scroll design on the raised gallery and fine stringing following the contours of the slender, tapered legs. These legs are connected by a graceful 'H' stretcher and rest on their original polished brass castors on brown porcelain wheels with square ferrules. The sloped writing surface is inset with a full-grain green leather , decorated with ornate gold tooling and a central gilded rose medallion. Opening the slope reveals a spacious interior that we have carefully restored with a new green baize lining . Notably, the desk is remarkably complete, retaining its original working brass box lock with original key , along with the two original cobalt blue glass ink pots tucked into their dedicated gallery wells.

fig 2. A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
fig 2. Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

Modern Versatility

While historically a piece for correspondence, this desk is incredibly useful in a modern environment. Its compact proportions make it a perfect small desk for typing or using a laptop , with the added practical bonus of being able to store your device inside the baize-lined interior and lock it securely away when not in use. As an added benefit, the back of the desk is also fully finished and polished, providing the flexibility to place it as a freestanding centrepiece if desired.

fig 3. A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
fig 3. Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

Condition Report

Every inch of the piece has been meticulously cleaned, waxed, and checked over in our workshop . Having undergone a sympathetic restoration, the desk is structurally sound with no loose joints , ensuring it is in fantastic, home-ready condition. Please note that while it is in beautiful condition, as an antique item it may show minor age-related imperfections which only add to its character.

fig 4. A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
fig 4. Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

Dimensions

Height to top of rear shelf: 1045 mm

Height to lowest part of writing slope: 710mm

Height to inkwell area: 760mm

Kneehole height: 620mm

Width: 540mm

Depth: 485mm

Interior size

Height at back: 100mm

Height at front: 55mm

Width: 450mm

Depth: 400mm

Delivery

Private insured courier normally £60 for this item, enquire for accurate quote*

Height
104cm (40.94")
Width
54cm (21.26")
Depth
48cm (18.90")
Date of Manufacture

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1196697
Lincoln Restorations
Lincoln Restorations
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2021

Specialist antique furniture and safe restorers. - to buy from US, please visit our website and search for the item number (numbers only) -

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lincoln Restorations Profile Page

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A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
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Archive I A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.

Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890

Archive II A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View II
Archive III A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View III
Archive IV A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View IV
Archive V A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View V
Archive VI A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View VI
Archive VII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View VII
Archive VIII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View VIII
Archive IX A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View IX
Archive X A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View X
Archive XI A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XI
Archive XII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XII
Archive XIII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XIII
Archive XIV A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XIV
Archive XV A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XV
Archive XVI A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XVI
Archive XVII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XVII
Archive XVIII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XVIII
Archive XIX A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XIX
Archive XX A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XX
Archive XXI A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XXI
Archive XXII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XXII
Archive XXIII A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors. View XXIV
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Telephone 01922 693999
Location
Unit 4
Crestacre
Barracks lane
Walsall wood
West Midlands
WS9 9DL
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jul 2021
Items For Sale 105
Items Sold 417
Lincoln Restorations
Lincoln Restorations
Verified Since Jul 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 4, Crestacre, Barracks lane, Walsall wood, West Midlands, WS9 9DL, United Kingdom
Verified
Jul 2021
For Sale
105
Sold
417
A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
Antique Small Rosewood Writing Desk Inlaid Ladies 'Bonheur Du Jour' Lockable C1890
Ref: SA1196697
A late Victorian inlaid rosewood bonheur du jour writing desk featuring a green leather surface, raised gallery shelf, and tapered legs with brass castors.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A bonheur du jour is a style of small ladies writing desk originally created in 18th-century France, featuring a flat or sloped writing surface topped with a raised gallery or small tier of drawers and shelves.

Desks from this period were commonly crafted from dense fine-grained timber like rosewood, mahogany, or walnut, complemented by satinwood marquetry inlays and tool-patterned leather writing surfaces.

Authentic period desks typically exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints on drawers, original brass castors, genuine grain variations in the veneer, and subtle timber oxidisation along the underside and frame joints.

Position the piece within a alcove, bedroom corner, or hallway, paired with contemporary seating and minimal desk accessories to highlight the wood grain and decorative inlays.

Care for the timber frame using a clear beeswax polish applied along the wood grain, avoid placing the desk in direct sunlight or next to heat radiators, and gently wipe the leather surface with a dry microfibre cloth.
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