What is a Queen Anne bureau?

Originating in early 18th-century Britain, a Queen Anne bureau is a sloped-front writing desk positioned above a chest of drawers, characterised by balanced proportions and figured timber veneers.

What materials were traditionally used in Queen Anne bureaux?

These pieces were primarily constructed from solid oak or pine frames faced with figured walnut or burr walnut veneers, featuring featherbanding and brass drop handles.

How can you identify an authentic early 18th-century walnut bureau?

Authentic period examples feature hand-cut dovetail joints, oak or pine drawer linings, original brass drop handles with decorative backplates, and natural age-related patination on the veneer.

How do you style an antique bureau in a modern interior?

A walnut bureau functions well positioned in a study, hallway, or living space as an active workstation, paired with modern lighting or contemporary artwork to create visual balance.

How should an antique walnut bureau be maintained?

Position the furniture away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent veneer movement, and apply a high-quality beeswax polish periodically along the wood grain.

for sale €11,466 $12,446

£9,800

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2007

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Trade Associations

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd is a registered member of LAPADA BADA CINOA

Id #SA1209399

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Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau

Name: Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1209399
Price: 9800 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Description

An Absolutely Stunning Early 18th Century Queen Anne Period Walnut Bureau, Or Writing Desk, In Good Untouched Condition Retaining Wonderful Rich Colour And Patina, Having Superbly Figured Top And Flap With Featherbanded Decoration And Moulded Book Rest, Enclosing Superbly Fitted Interior Featuring Pigeon Holes, Drawers And Sliding Cover To Well, Enclosing 4 Secret Drawers, Over Two Short And Two Long Drawers ,With Further Featherbanded Decoration Plus Attractive Original Brass Handles And Lock Escutcheons, Raised On Original Turned Bun Feet.

This is a quite wonderful example of a Queen Anne Walnut Bureau and it would be a quite challenging to easily find another one which is constructed from such highly figured veneers whilst retaining such an exceptional untouched, rich colour and patina. It has clearly been much loved and cherished throughout the 320 years or so of its life and is certainly something which will continue to be cherished for many years to come.

The brass handles and lock escutcheons are original which is another extremely rare feature and they certainly add to the overall charm of the piece with not just their originality, but also the charm of their design. It also sits on apparently original turned bun feet with no obvious signs that they are replacements whatsoever.

Another lovely feature is the secret drawers which are tucked into the well area, above the top drawer, accessed via the sliding well inside the flap. There is then a clever cover which initially appears just to be a part of the interior construction which can be removed and gives access to the secret drawers.

A piece for both connoisseurs and new collectors alike this really is a standout item of antique furniture and it’s worth bearing in mind what fantastic condition it remains in despite three centuries of heavy use. In fact it is very much as fit for purpose as the day which it was made.

As with all of the items which we offer for sale this early 18th century walnut bureau has been attended to by our expert restorers and naturally waxed using traditional methods to ensure it is ready to be placed straight into position and use at the home of its eventual lucky owner.

Circa 1705.

Height 42in.

Width 40in.

Depth 23in.

Physical Dimensions

Height

107cm (42.13")

Width

102cm (40.16")

Depth

59cm (23.23")

Declaration

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd has dated this Queen Anne Walnut Bureau to the 1700s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1209399

Dealers Internal Reference

9869

Dealers Notes

A Careful Selection Of High Quality Town And Country Furniture For The Home From The 17th, 18th, 19th And Early 20th Centuries.

Members Of BADA, LAPADA & CINOA.

UK Delivery Available At Reasonable Rates.

Worldwide Shipping Arranged.

Description

This is a quite wonderful example of a Queen Anne Walnut Bureau and it would be a quite challenging to easily find another one which is constructed from such highly figured veneers whilst retaining such an exceptional untouched, rich colour and patina.

“

It has clearly been much loved and cherished throughout the 320 years or so of its life and is certainly something which will continue to be cherished for many years to come.

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

fig 1. An early 18th-century Queen Anne walnut bureau featuring a slanted fall-front writing flap, brass escutcheons with drop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 1. Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau

The brass handles and lock escutcheons are original which is another extremely rare feature and they certainly add to the overall charm of the piece with not just their originality, but also the charm of their design. It also sits on apparently original turned bun feet with no obvious signs that they are replacements whatsoever.

fig 2. An early 18th-century Queen Anne walnut bureau featuring a slanted fall-front writing flap, brass escutcheons with drop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 2. Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau

Another lovely feature is the secret drawers which are tucked into the well area, above the top drawer, accessed via the sliding well inside the flap. There is then a clever cover which initially appears just to be a part of the interior construction which can be removed and gives access to the secret drawers.

fig 3. An early 18th-century Queen Anne walnut bureau featuring a slanted fall-front writing flap, brass escutcheons with drop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 3. Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau

A piece for both connoisseurs and new collectors alike this really is a standout item of antique furniture and it’s worth bearing in mind what fantastic condition it remains in despite three centuries of heavy use. In fact it is very much as fit for purpose as the day which it was made.

fig 4. An early 18th-century Queen Anne walnut bureau featuring a slanted fall-front writing flap, brass escutcheons with drop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 4. Queen Anne Period Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau

As with all of the items which we offer for sale this early 18th century walnut bureau has been attended to by our expert restorers and naturally waxed using traditional methods to ensure it is ready to be placed straight into position and use at the home of its eventual lucky owner.

Circa 1705.

Height 42in.

Width 40in.

Depth 23in.