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ID #SA1242256
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£645
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A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk
For sale by Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
for sale €755     $819
£645
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors

Marlborough Antiques & Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2012
Browse dealers 250 items
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    We display a variety of antiques at all price levels, including furniture, paintings and other decorative items
Id #SA1242256
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A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

19th century
Description

A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk .English, circa 1860–1880

A handsome and unusually decorative mid-19th-century Victorian Davenport writing desk, of compact proportions, with a beautifully figured timber exterior, elegant carved scroll supports and attractive original character.

The sloping writing surface is inset with a richly patinated green leather writing panel, retaining its original decorative tooled border, and is surmounted by a pierced brass gallery running around the raised rear section.

The hinged writing slope lifts to reveal a fitted interior with three small drawers for stationery and writing accessories, together with a generous compartment for papers and correspondence.

An interesting feature is the concealed upper side drawer, fitted with a discreet internal arrangement for pens and ink, incorporating a false handle concealing its opening mechanism.

One side is fitted with four graduated drawers with turned wooden knobs, while the opposite side has corresponding false drawer fronts, maintaining the symmetry of the design.

The desk is supported by particularly attractive carved and pierced scrolling brackets, terminating in shaped supports and rounded feet. The figured panelled front and warm, mellow colour of the timber further enhance its decorative appeal.

A charming example of Victorian cabinetmaking, combining practical storage with ingenious hidden compartments. Its modest size makes it particularly suitable for a drawing room, library, bedroom or study.

The desk retains a pleasing aged surface,there is signs of wear to the leather writing surface.

Dimensions

Height at back: 87 cm

Height at front: 77 cm

Overall width: 62 cm

Overall depth: 59 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
87cm (34.25")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
59cm (23.23")
Declaration

Marlborough Antiques & Interiors has dated this Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1242256
Dealers Notes

We are primarily a web based business showing high quality antiques and decorative items in two warehouses in Lambourn Woodlands, Berkshire and Tetbury , Gloucestershire . Within easy reach of M4 Junctions and with a mainline station nearby and good private car parking facilities at all venues. We display the widest variety of antiques at all price levels, including paintings, furniture, fireside pieces and other decorative interior items. Not all our items are at any particular place so please call or email (enquiries@marlboroughantiques.com) or from our Contact page to avoid disappointment. Please view our Terms and conditions if needed at http://www.marlboroughantiques.com/terms.php.

We are very happy to discuss with clients their needs and to provide a sourcing service. We can advise on the acquisition of pieces in all areas of the fine and decorative arts, assisting clients in their search for individual pieces or for a particular item. If you have queries regarding this or any intended purchase please contact us. All items can be delivered either by postal service or by trusted and fully insured couriers; we use both for the UK market and for overseas delivery. Please inquire by email or phone to obtain a quote for delivery options. Items are described as Excellent - A1 Condition no faults, Very Good - very good condition with only very minor cosmetic issues if atall and consistent with age, Good - in good overall condition with some ageing, marks and wear consistent with age.

Description
A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk .English, circa 1860–1880

A handsome and unusually decorative mid-19th-century Victorian Davenport writing desk, of compact proportions, with a beautifully figured timber exterior, elegant carved scroll supports and attractive original character.

fig 1. A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
fig 1. A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

The sloping writing surface is inset with a richly patinated green leather writing panel, retaining its original decorative tooled border, and is surmounted by a pierced brass gallery running around the raised rear section.

“
The hinged writing slope lifts to reveal a fitted interior with three small drawers for stationery and writing accessories, together with a generous compartment for papers and correspondence.
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
fig 2. A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
fig 2. A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

An interesting feature is the concealed upper side drawer, fitted with a discreet internal arrangement for pens and ink, incorporating a false handle concealing its opening mechanism.

One side is fitted with four graduated drawers with turned wooden knobs, while the opposite side has corresponding false drawer fronts, maintaining the symmetry of the design.

fig 3. A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
fig 3. A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

The desk is supported by particularly attractive carved and pierced scrolling brackets, terminating in shaped supports and rounded feet. The figured panelled front and warm, mellow colour of the timber further enhance its decorative appeal.

fig 4. A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
fig 4. A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

A charming example of Victorian cabinetmaking, combining practical storage with ingenious hidden compartments. Its modest size makes it particularly suitable for a drawing room, library, bedroom or study.

The desk retains a pleasing aged surface,there is signs of wear to the leather writing surface.

Dimensions

Height at back: 87 cm

Height at front: 77 cm

Overall width: 62 cm

Overall depth: 59 cm

Height
87cm (34.25")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
59cm (23.23")
Date of Manufacture

Marlborough Antiques & Interiors has dated this Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1242256
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2012

We display a variety of antiques at all price levels, including furniture, paintings and other decorative items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Marlborough Antiques & Interiors Profile Page

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A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
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Archive I A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.

A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk

Archive II A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View II
Archive III A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View III
Archive IV A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View IV
Archive V A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View V
Archive VI A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View VI
Archive VII A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View VII
Archive VIII A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View VIII
Archive IX A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body. View IX
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Location
3 South View Place (office only)
Blowhorn Street
Marlborough
Wiltshire
SN8 1DD
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jun 2012
Items For Sale 250
Items Sold 2,190
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Verified Since Jun 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: 3 South View Place (office only), Blowhorn Street, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1DD, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2012
For Sale
250
Sold
2,190
A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
A Victorian Walnut Davenport Writing Desk
Ref: SA1242256
A front view of a Victorian walnut Davenport desk featuring a slanted green leather writing surface, decorative top brass gallery rail, carved front supports, and a panelled wooden body.
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Archival Detail
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.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialWalnut, Leather, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsSlanted writing slope, Brass gallery rail, S-scroll supports, Panelled front
  • SizeH 87 cm (34 in) x W 61 cm (24 in) x D 59 cm (23 in)

A Davenport desk is a compact writing desk featuring a slanted hinged top over a small cabinet or set of drawers, original commissioned in the late 18th century for naval use.

Victorian Davenport desks were crafted primarily from solid hardwoods and veneers such as walnut, mahogany, or rosewood, frequently finished with inset leather writing surfaces and brass gallery rails.

Authentic period Davenport desks exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints on internal drawers, period-correct brass locks and handles, natural timber patina, and side-mounted drawers concealed behind decorative front paneling.

A Davenport desk functions effectively as a compact workstation in a hallway, bedroom corner, or alcove, offering functional storage while introducing a historical accent to modern living spaces.

Preserve the wood finish by regularly applying beeswax with a lint-free cloth, keep the desk positioned away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent veneer lifting, and clean the leather writing top with specialized leather conditioner.
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