The Important Historical Desk of Admiral Markham

The Important Historical Desk of Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham (Admiral Markham) born 11 November 1841 – 28 October 1918 was a famous British explorer, author and officer in the Royal Navy.

This Victorian 'plum pudding' mahogany partners desk was previously owned by the famous British Explorer Sir Admiral Markham.

In excellent condition, this Naval desk was constructed for military/navy use.

The crossbanded top with inset leather writing surface has a brass gallery to each side in order to stop book/maps etc sliding off in rough seas. This removes to reveal a central drawer screwed into each pedestal by inset military style brass plates enabling this to be easily removed so to be detachable from each pedestal.

The pedestals each containing four graduated mahogany drawers each having cockbeaded fronts and central locks and turned wooden handles. The drawers are fully mahogany lined with hand cut dovetails with one bearing the Army and Navy Depository sticker of Admiral Markhams.

The sides are inset panelled with the rear of the pedestals having two locking doors which open to reveal storage so to be used as a partners desk.

The desk is in excellent condition with the later leather insert showing signs of wear but in keeping with the desk.

Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham (Admiral Markham) born 11 November 1841 – 28 October 1918 was a famous British explorer, author and officer in the Royal Navy.

Between 1875-6 Sir Albert Hastings Markham was appointed second in command of the HMS Alert which made an unprecedented voyage to the North Pole. Despite suffering from scurvy and being poorly clothed he led a sledge party to reach the highest latitude ever attained at the time and a record that stood for 20 years. The significance of the expedition is evident as the Geography of Northern Canada and Greenland is dotted with the names of those connected with the expedition – Nares Strait, Nares Lake, Markham Ice Shelf, Ayles Ice Shelf and Mount Ayles.

The voyage was supported by the ship HMS Alert which was a 17 gun wooden screw sloop of the Cruizer class of the Royal Navy which was launched in 1856. It was on this Arctic expedition that the Victorian Partners Desk is believed to reside in the Captain's quarters. The previous owner of the desk (residing in an estate in Hertfordshire) has indicated some of the history behind the origins of the desk:

…” the Victorian desk was on HMS Alert hence the side rails. This was confirmed because the vicar that baptized 3 of my children was Canon Gervase Markham, the nephew of Admiral Markham. I asked about the desk and he recalled the desk being in the family and his uncle telling him about it and having the rail installed. He also mentioned something about the feet on the desk being specially adapted to prepare the ship for the expedition."

As you can see this is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an extraordinary piece of history. We have a lot of paperwork to go with the desk from the original owner.

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.