Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
The sliding tambour can be moved up and down to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments inside. The interior has 9 internal drawers and 17 internal compartments; all with retain their original wooden knobs and original brass label holders. The centre of the desk features 2 horizontal pen trays. The bank of drawers is flanked by large A4 pigeonholes and letter racks. When the sliding tambour is closed, the original secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal drawers, except the central drawer. When the sliding tambour is opened again, this deactivates the locking mechanism. The brass tambour lock and key are in good working order. The central drawer features an independent lock and key.
The desk stands on two large pedestals with graduated hand dovetailed drawers with internal adjustable dividers. Sitting on top of each pedestal is pullout writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. The right hand pedestal features a filing section in the bottom drawer. The drawers are constructed of sycamore. The desk boasts solid mahogany inset panels throughout and features the original mahogany cup handles to the pedestal drawers. There is a solid mahogany modesty board in between the two pedestals. The desk sits on its original steel castors. The desk dismantles into three sections for easy storage or transportation.
Provenance:
This desk was most likely manufactured on the East coast of North America and shipped to England, where well-known retailers, such as Maple & Co. of Manchester, would have sold it on.
Condition Report:
The desk is in excellent original condition. There are no missing drawers or compartments to the interior. There are no large ink or water stains or scratches to the desktop (which are common on these desks). The desk features its original working secret locking mechanism when the roll-top is closed which locks all the drawers except the central drawer, which has its own lock and key. The desk retains its original internal knobs; drawer handles and sits on its original castors. There are also no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. It is rare to see a roll top desk displaying such quality in a great condition.
Dimensions:
External height = 128.4cm or 50½” or 4ft 2½”
External width = 126cm or 49” or 4ft 1”
External depth = 85.2cm or 33½” or 2ft 9½”
Knee height = 64.5cm or 25” or 2ft 1”
Knee width (at plinth) = 50.7cm or 20” or 1ft 8”
Knee width (pedestals) = 52.5cm or 20” or 1ft 8”
Writing height = 78.2cm or 30¾” or 2ft 6¾”
Writing width = 116cm or 45” or 3ft 9”
Writing depth = 75cm or 29½” or 2ft 5½”
UK Delivery:
Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £89. For delivery to Scotland & Ireland, please email for a quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you. You will be given a refund excluding the delivery cost.
UK Buyer Payment:
For UK buyers, we accept cash, cheque, credit card, BACS or PayPal.
International Buyers:
Please contact us so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote. A returns policy is not available. We request payment by bank transfer.
About the Seller:
This item is being sold by Yolanda Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA & CINOA. We have dealt in antique furniture for over 40 years.
Ref. Roll Top Desk 19
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
American 4ft 2” Mahogany Roll Top Pedestal Desk (Circa 1880)
