Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
Summary:
• Item: Writing Table
• Circa: 1840
• Period: Victorian
• Wood: Bird’s eye maple & purpleheart
• Provenance: England, UK
• Attirbutable to Gillows of Lancaster
• Gillows Workmaster: John Miller
• Thumb moulded top
• Lift up desktop lid (original ink well & pen tray)
• Original drawer knobs
• Purple heart lined drawer fronts
• Original working locks & key
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Turned legs with reeded detail
• Original stamped brass castors (Cope & Collinson)
• Excellent original condition
• Stunning quality
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• 14 day free UK returns policy
Description:
This is a stunning quality antique English Victorian 3ft bird’s eye maple and purpleheart writing library writing table, attributable to Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1840, in excellent original condition. The table features a twin thumb moulded top incorporating a fine purpleheart moulding.
With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. Situated below the top, there are two drawers, which boast bird’s eye maple fronts and purpleheart inlay. Both drawers feature their original turned knobs with further purpleheart inlay, the original working locks and key. The fine hand-dovetailed drawers are lined in mahogany, with the right-hand drawer displaying the stamp ‘J. Miller’ on the underside, naming the Gillows workmaster John Miller. The drawers have been constructed with such quality that the drawer bottoms and screws are designed to be adjustable in the event of any shrinkage of the wood, so that no gaps appear within the drawer. Below the drawers is a purpleheart frieze. Inset towards the rear of the tabletop is a recessed compartment for the stowage of ink and stationary (including its original ink pot and pen tray). Lifting up a hinged flap at the back of the tabletop can access this. This style of table was designed to be freestanding in a library or office. The table stands on lovely turned legs with baluster knees and reeded detail. The legs terminate on the original brass castors, which are stamped ‘Cope & Collinson’.
Condition Report:
This writing table is in excellent condition. There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges and top but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The top is free from ink stains and marks. The polish is in excellent original condition. Both working drawers close flush to the frame and feature their original knobs, working locks and key. The table rests on its original brass castors. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 73.5cm or 29” or 2ft 5”
Width = 91.3cm or 36” or 3ft
Depth = 53.3cm or 21” or 1ft 9”
Knee Height = 60cm or 23?” or 1ft 11?”
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.
International Buyers:
Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.
Ref. Writing Desk 28
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
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
Antique English Victorian Bird’s Eye Maple & Purpleheart Library Writing Table Desk Attributable to Gillows of Lancaster (Circa 1840)
