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Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
for sale €4,095     $4,445
£3,500
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

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Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster

19th century
Description

An antique solid mahogany Davenport desk, dating to circa 1820–1835, spanning the late Regency and early William IV periods, by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped “Gillows • Lancaster” to the top drawer.

The desk features a sliding leather-lined writing surface, which pulls forward smoothly on runners, bringing the writing area closer to the user and reducing the need to lean forward.

Above the writing surface, this example has sliding cupboard doors. When opened, these reveal a fitted arrangement of pigeon holes, providing organised storage for papers and documents.

The leather writing slope, finished with gold-embossed borders, lifts to reveal an internal storage compartment, with two small drawers positioned at the back.

The Davenport is fitted with four drawers to one side and dummy drawers to the opposite side, a typical feature of quality examples. The drawers are mahogany lined, reflecting the high standard of construction associated with Gillows. There are also pull-out writing (brush) slides to either side. To the top right is a small pull-out pen drawer, fitted with an inkwell.

Dimensions

• Height: 107 cm / 42.13 in

• Width: 52 cm / 20.47 in

• Depth: 57 cm / 22.44 in

• Leg space under top: 73 cm / 28.74 in

Gillows of Lancaster

Gillows of Lancaster was one of Britain’s most important cabinetmaking firms, active from the mid-18th century and especially renowned during the Georgian and Regency periods. The firm is credited with creating the original Davenport desk, which was designed in the early 19th century for Captain Davenport, an officer who required a compact, practical writing desk suitable for limited space.

Free UK mainland delivery. For international delivery please contact us for a quote 🚚

Physical Dimensions
Height
107cm (42.13")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Mahogany Davenport Desk to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1217854
Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description
An antique solid mahogany Davenport desk, dating to circa 1820–1835, spanning the late Regency and early William IV periods, by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped “Gillows • Lancaster” to the top drawer.
The desk features a sliding leather-lined writing surface, which pulls forward smoothly on runners, bringing the writing area closer to the user and reducing the need to lean forward.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
fig 1. An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
fig 1. Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster

Above the writing surface, this example has sliding cupboard doors. When opened, these reveal a fitted arrangement of pigeon holes, providing organised storage for papers and documents.

The leather writing slope, finished with gold-embossed borders, lifts to reveal an internal storage compartment, with two small drawers positioned at the back.

fig 2. An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
fig 2. Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster

The Davenport is fitted with four drawers to one side and dummy drawers to the opposite side, a typical feature of quality examples. The drawers are mahogany lined, reflecting the high standard of construction associated with Gillows. There are also pull-out writing (brush) slides to either side. To the top right is a small pull-out pen drawer, fitted with an inkwell.

fig 3. An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
fig 3. Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster

Dimensions

• Height: 107 cm / 42.13 in

• Width: 52 cm / 20.47 in

• Depth: 57 cm / 22.44 in

• Leg space under top: 73 cm / 28.74 in

Gillows of Lancaster

Gillows of Lancaster was one of Britain’s most important cabinetmaking firms, active from the mid-18th century and especially renowned during the Georgian and Regency periods. The firm is credited with creating the original Davenport desk, which was designed in the early 19th century for Captain Davenport, an officer who required a compact, practical writing desk suitable for limited space.

Free UK mainland delivery. For international delivery please contact us for a quote 🚚

Height
107cm (42.13")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
57cm (22.44")
Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Mahogany Davenport Desk to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1217854
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page

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An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
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Archive I An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.

Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster

Archive II An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View II
Archive III An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View III
Archive IV An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View IV
Archive V An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View V
Archive VI An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View VI
Archive VII An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View VII
Archive VIII An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View VIII
Archive IX An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View IX
Archive X An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View X
Archive XI An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View XI
Archive XII An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View XII
Archive XIII An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View XIV
Archive XV An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure. View XV
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West Norfolk
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 65
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Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: West Norfolk, United Kingdom
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An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
Ref: SA1217854
An antique mahogany Davenport desk featuring a sloped red leather writing surface, turned drawer knobs, and a top gallery superstructure.
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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 Davenport desk is a compact writing cabinet characterised by a sloped writing surface over a desk well, supported by side-mounted drawers. Originating in the late 18th century, the design was first commissioned by Captain Davenport from the cabinetmakers Gillows of Lancaster.

These desks were primarily constructed using solid hardwoods such as mahogany, rosewood, and walnut. The writing slopes frequently feature gilt-tooled leather inserts, while internal drawers utilise hand-cut dovetail joinery and brass fittings.

Authentic period examples exhibit hand-dovetailed drawer joints, original locks, brass castors, and period-correct timber wear on internal drawer linings. High-grade pieces often feature maker stamps, such as Gillows of Lancaster, impressed on drawer edges or hardware.

Due to its compact footprint, a Davenport desk functions effectively in small alcoves, hallway nooks, or bedroom corners. Placing dark mahogany wood against contemporary neutral walls creates visual interest through contrasting textures.

Maintain the polished mahogany surface by dusting with a dry microfibre cloth and applying beeswax sparingly along the grain. Keep the leather surface out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to prevent cracking or discolouration.
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