Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Summary:
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Origination: England, UK
• Item: Davenport Desk
• Wood: Burr walnut
• Raised compartment topped with gallery
• Green insert leather
• Moulded overhanging writing slope
• Scroll shaped & foliate carved writing slope supports
• Bead panel front
• Four mahogany lined working drawers to right-hand side
• Quarter beaded drawers (sign of quality)
• Faux drawers to left-hand side
• Original turned wooden knobs
• Internal maple lined storage compartment
• Four internal pigeon holes
• Original working locks (no key)
• Turned feet
• Original brass castors
• Stunning quality
• Good original condition
• Completely original
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy
The Davenport incorporates a raised hinged compartment, with a moulded top and gallery, above an overhanging writing slope (allowing the user to sit with their knees underneath), boasting a green leather insert. The writing slope retains its original lock which, when unlocked, allows the lid to be opened.
Below the writing slope, to the right-hand side, are four hand-dovetailed, graduated mahogany lined and quarter beaded drawers. Each drawer retains its original lock and turned wooden knobs. To the left-hand side of the Davenport is a bank of faux drawers. The front of the Davenport is decorated with bead moulding, as well as featuring two scroll shape, foliate carved supports to the overhanging slope. The Davenport rests on turned feet, terminating on its original brass castors.
History of the Davenport Desk:
This desk owes its name to a Captain Davenport who was the first to commission the design, from Gillows of Lancaster, near the end of the 18th century. In a sense, then, it could also be considered a Campaign desk, though there are no records indicating if Captain Davenport was in the British Army or the Royal Navy. The design was ingenious and practical because it consumed so little space in an officers’ cabin on a ship.
Condition Report:
This antique Davenport is in excellent original condition, with nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item. The leather is free from any rips, tears and stains. The drawers are all smooth running and close flush to the frame. The drawers all retain their original working locks (with no key), as well as their original turned wooden knobs. Similarly, the lock to the writing slope lid is original (with no key). The desk stands on its original turned feet and original brass castors. As the desk retains its original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and the years of care and cleaning it has received. This antique Davenport is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 86.9cm or 34¼” or 2ft 10¼”
External width = 53.5cm or 21” or 1ft 9”
External depth = 57.3cm or 22½” or 1ft 10½”
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 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. 47404
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
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 Burr Walnut Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk (Circa 1860)
