Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1890s.
The number of small drawers within the top section of the desk denotes the quality of the desk and status of its owner. This desk boasts 27 internal drawers and 5 vertical pigeonholes to the top section! Most roll tops do not have half this number of drawers.
Constructed with an “S” shaped design to the top section, the desk was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room. There is a narrow opening each side of the desk, just below the tambour (see photos) to allow people to post letters through the slot addressed to the owner of the desk, whilst the desk was closed. The sliding tambour can be lifted up to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments. The interior houses 27 internal drawers, 24 of which incorporate decorative brass label holders. Two of the drawers feature ebony knobs and there is also a vertical paper tidy draw, which boasts an ornate floral brass handle and features a spring-loaded mechanism for holding papers in place. Incorporated into the bank of drawers are five vertical pigeonhole compartments, ideal for storing paperwork or letters in an upright position. The wooden dividers that separate the pigeonholes can be removed to provide larger single storage spaces if desired. A letter rack is also situated at either side of the desktop.
When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using the original lock and working key, the secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal. When the sliding tambour is opened again, this deactivates the locking mechanism. The original tambour lock and key are in working order. The decorative key escutcheon is inscribed with name “Angus of London”. The central drawer was not designed to lock with the rest of the drawers when the tambour is closed and so can always be opened.
The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers that are made of top quality satin walnut with hand dovetail construction. Each drawer incorporates its original number of adjustable partition dividers, to enable you to create smaller compartments within the drawers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornately carved oak cup handles. Sitting on top of each pedestal are two large pull-out writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. There is a solid oak fielded panel modesty board in between the two pedestals at the back of the desk. The desk dismantles into three main sections for easy storage or transportation.
Condition Report:
The desk is in good condition and is complete working order. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the main desktop. There are old use marks to the tops of the writing slide supports and insides of the drawers (e.g. old ink stains). The tambour retains its original working barrel lock, with a working key. There are no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). The desk also retains its original internal secret locking mechanism; when the roll-top is closed, it locks all the drawers except for the central drawer. The desk boasts all its internal decorative brass label holders; drawer handles and knobs. Please note, the drawers each have two dividers, the position of which can be adjusted forwards or backwards; the drawers are not missing multiple dividers.
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1890s.
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Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique English Victorian Oak Roll Top Pedestal Office Desk (Circa 1890)
