What is a tambour top cylinder desk?

A tambour top cylinder desk features a flexible slatted wooden shutter that rolls along a curved interior track to enclose the upper writing surface and storage compartments when not in use.

What materials were traditionally used in Georgian mahogany desks?

Georgian desks were predominantly crafted from solid and veneered mahogany, featuring drawer linings made from oak or pine, and fitted with cast brass handles and escutcheons.

How can you identify an authentic Georgian writing desk?

Authentic Georgian writing desks typically display hand-cut dovetail joints, hand-planed back panels, original brass hardware with natural surface patination, and proportional slender legs.

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

Position the bureau against a neutral painted wall in a dedicated study or alcove, pairing it with modern task illumination and minimalist decorative objects to complement the warm wood tones.

How should you maintain the shutter mechanism on a tambour desk?

Clean the slatted tambour front with a soft dry brush to remove dust, apply natural beeswax along the runner tracks for smooth operation, and keep the piece in a stable environment away from direct heat sources to prevent timber movement.

for sale €3,141 $3,410

£2,685

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Id #SA1220871

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Antique Georgian Mahogany Tambour Top Cylinder Desk with Pull-out Writing Slides

Name: Antique Georgian Mahogany Tambour Top Cylinder Desk with Pull-out Writing Slides
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1220871
Price: 2685 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by London City Antiques

Description

A superb antique Georgian mahogany cylinder desk of elegant proportions, standing on finely tapered square legs terminating in the original brass cup castors. The beautifully figured mahogany tambour front slides smoothly upwards to reveal a wonderfully fitted interior comprising pigeonholes, drawers and compartments above a generous leather-lined writing surface.

A particularly desirable feature of this desk is the pair of original pull-out writing slides concealed beneath the tambour section. These provide additional workspace when required and were traditionally used to support correspondence, ledgers, writing accessories or candles whilst working. Such features significantly enhance both the practicality and desirability of the piece.

The well-organised interior was designed to keep important documents and correspondence neatly arranged whilst allowing the desk to be quickly closed and secured behind the tambour front. Below are two full-width drawers retaining their original brass swan neck handles and escutcheons, offering useful additional storage.

Cylinder desks became highly fashionable during the Georgian period, providing a sophisticated and secure writing station for the gentleman's study, library or drawing room. Today they remain one of the most elegant and practical forms of antique writing furniture.

With its rich colour, excellent patination and attractive proportions, this is a fine example that would make a striking addition to any home office, library or reception room.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and patination consistent with age and use. The tambour operates smoothly, the pull-out writing slides function as intended and the interior retains its original fitted arrangement. A handsome and practical desk ready for everyday use.

Dimensions

Height:97cm(38.19 inches)

Width:85.5cm(33.66 inches)

Depth:55cm(21.65 inches)

WritingSurfaceHeight:78.5cm(30.91 inches)

Date: 1800

Origin: English

We can arrange shipping worldwide. Please contact us for a quotation.

Physical Dimensions

Height

97cm (38.19")

Width

85.5cm (33.66")

Depth

55cm (21.65")

Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Georgian Mahogany Tambour Desk to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1220871

Dealers Internal Reference

3156

Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description

“

A particularly desirable feature of this desk is the pair of original pull-out writing slides concealed beneath the tambour section.

London City Antiques

These provide additional workspace when required and were traditionally used to support correspondence, ledgers, writing accessories or candles whilst working. Such features significantly enhance both the practicality and desirability of the piece.

fig 1. An antique dark mahogany tambour top writing desk featuring a slatted roll shutter, drawer brass handles, and square tapered legs. — fig 1. Antique Georgian Mahogany Tambour Top Cylinder Desk with Pull-out Writing Slides

The well-organised interior was designed to keep important documents and correspondence neatly arranged whilst allowing the desk to be quickly closed and secured behind the tambour front. Below are two full-width drawers retaining their original brass swan neck handles and escutcheons, offering useful additional storage.

fig 2. An antique dark mahogany tambour top writing desk featuring a slatted roll shutter, drawer brass handles, and square tapered legs. — fig 2. Antique Georgian Mahogany Tambour Top Cylinder Desk with Pull-out Writing Slides

Cylinder desks became highly fashionable during the Georgian period, providing a sophisticated and secure writing station for the gentleman's study, library or drawing room. Today they remain one of the most elegant and practical forms of antique writing furniture.

fig 3. An antique dark mahogany tambour top writing desk featuring a slatted roll shutter, drawer brass handles, and square tapered legs. — fig 3. Antique Georgian Mahogany Tambour Top Cylinder Desk with Pull-out Writing Slides

With its rich colour, excellent patination and attractive proportions, this is a fine example that would make a striking addition to any home office, library or reception room.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and patination consistent with age and use. The tambour operates smoothly, the pull-out writing slides function as intended and the interior retains its original fitted arrangement. A handsome and practical desk ready for everyday use.