What is a Napoleon III style desk stand?

A Napoleon III style desk stand is a 19th-century writing accessory characterised by decorative techniques such as Boulle marquetry, combining tortoiseshell and brass inlay, which was popularized in France during the Second Empire.

What materials were traditionally used to construct Boulle marquetry inkstands?

Traditional Boulle marquetry inkstands feature a timber frame overlaid with natural tortoiseshell, inlaid with cut brass or pewter scrollwork, and fitted with gilt-metal mounts and glass inkwells.

How do you identify authentic 19th-century brass and tortoiseshell inlaid pieces?

Authentic 19th-century pieces display hand-cut metal and tortoiseshell inlays with minor surface variations, natural depth in the shell, hand-chased brass fittings, and age-appropriate wear to the underside and contact points.

How can a 19th-century desk stand be styled in a modern interior?

Position the desk stand on a modern office desk, library table, or sideboard as a central decorative accent, pairing it with dark wood tones or leather-bound books.

How should tortoiseshell and brass marquetry items be maintained?

Keep tortoiseshell away from direct heat sources and fluctuating humidity to prevent cracking or lifting, dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth, and avoid abrasive chemical cleaners.

for sale €1,404 $1,524

£1,200

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011

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Trade Associations

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Relevant Links

Cut Glass Inkwells

Napoleon III Inkstand

Brass Mounted Inkstand

Victorian Desk Companion

Id #SA1213163

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Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

Name: Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1213163
Price: 1200 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

An English mid 19th century (circa 1860) tortoiseshell and inlaid brass desk stand or inkstand in the Napoleon III style.

This piece consists of a tortoiseshell desk stand with intricate foliate Boulle decoration of engraved brass inlaid into a red tortoiseshell ground, the decoration to the top, sides and back.

The two original heavy cut-glass inkwells with decorative brass tops stand either side of a central compartment with lid with an ornately decorated brass handle above with a pen tray to either side, making this ideal for use on a partner’s desk but equally a great addition to any desk or writing table.

This leads to a solid brass edge with a drawer below, also profusely inlaid with Boulle work, with decorative brass edge below, all supported on four brass ball feet.

We have found an interesting handwritten inscription to the underneath of the drawer stating the inkwell was 'purchased by Sir Eustace Gurney (1886-1927) of Sprowston Hall in 1916 at the Walsingham Abbey furniture sale in 1916 and given to his wife Anne Agatha Gurney' and that it always 'stood on the Drawing Room writing table in the big square drawing room'.

Sir Eustace Gurney was Mayor or Norwich, Norfolk and Sprowston & Little Walsingham, Norfolk, Sprowston Hall is now a popular hotel known as Sprowston Manor hotel, golf and country club.

This piece is in very good original condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or office.

Size:

Height: 7.25'' / 18.5cm

Width: 14'' / 35.5cm

Depth: 11'' / 28cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

18.5cm (7.28")

Width

35.5cm (13.98")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this Tortoiseshell Brass Desk Stand to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1213163

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1269

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

An English mid 19th century (circa 1860) tortoiseshell and inlaid brass desk stand or inkstand in the Napoleon III style.

“

This piece consists of a tortoiseshell desk stand with intricate foliate Boulle decoration of engraved brass inlaid into a red tortoiseshell ground, the decoration to the top, sides and back.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A mid-19th-century desk stand crafted with red tortoiseshell and brass scrollwork inlay, featuring two glass inkwells with brass lids, a central handle, and brass ball feet. — fig 1. Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

The two original heavy cut-glass inkwells with decorative brass tops stand either side of a central compartment with lid with an ornately decorated brass handle above with a pen tray to either side, making this ideal for use on a partner’s desk but equally a great addition to any desk or writing table.

fig 2. A mid-19th-century desk stand crafted with red tortoiseshell and brass scrollwork inlay, featuring two glass inkwells with brass lids, a central handle, and brass ball feet. — fig 2. Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

This leads to a solid brass edge with a drawer below, also profusely inlaid with Boulle work, with decorative brass edge below, all supported on four brass ball feet.

We have found an interesting handwritten inscription to the underneath of the drawer stating the inkwell was 'purchased by Sir Eustace Gurney (1886-1927) of Sprowston Hall in 1916 at the Walsingham Abbey furniture sale in 1916 and given to his wife Anne Agatha Gurney' and that it always 'stood on the Drawing Room writing table in the big square drawing room'.

fig 3. A mid-19th-century desk stand crafted with red tortoiseshell and brass scrollwork inlay, featuring two glass inkwells with brass lids, a central handle, and brass ball feet. — fig 3. Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

Sir Eustace Gurney was Mayor or Norwich, Norfolk and Sprowston & Little Walsingham, Norfolk, Sprowston Hall is now a popular hotel known as Sprowston Manor hotel, golf and country club.

This piece is in very good original condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or office.

Size:

Height: 7.25'' / 18.5cm

Width: 14'' / 35.5cm