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ID #SA773596
FOR SALE
£1,875
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19th Century Satin Birch Pedestal Desk
For sale by Culvertons
for sale €2,194     $2,381
£1,875
Culvertons

Culvertons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2013
Browse dealers 49 items
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Id #SA773596
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19th Century Satin Birch Pedestal Desk

19th century
For Sale by Culvertons
Description

As you can see from this fine pedestal desk (Circa 1860) satin birch is a beautiful timber. So, you maybe surprised to learn, that it only found favour within the 19th Century for relatively short period of time - possibly it was too light and airy for the Victorian's taste. However, it is a perfect choice for 21st Century interiors. The drawers to the desk are made from solid ash, and they have their full complement of original locks (working & key supplied) plus nearly all (two had to be turned to match) of its original wooden knobs. The writing surface is at the correct height and their is plenty of legroom. Unusually there has never been any castors to the underside of this desk, so no need to worry about undue wear and tear to your floor or carpet.

Now, after sympathetic restoration, re-polishing and the re-leathering of its writing surface has been completed, this antique satin birch desk is ready to be used and enjoyed for generations to come.

Measurements of knee hole - 49.5 cm wide x 62.5 cm high

Physical Dimensions
Height
77cm (30.31")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Declaration

Culvertons has dated this Satin Birch Pedestal Desk to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA773596
Dealers Notes

Whenever possible Culvertons undertake the carriage of items within London and the home counties. Professional, competitive and trusted couriers and shipping companies are engaged for deliveries for the remainder of our customers. Smaller items, when instructed, will be carefully parcelled and securely sent by the carrier.

We strive to accurately describe and illustrate our stock on the 'Selling Antiques' website. However, we understand that it is not always possible to judge from photographs how an item will look in the home or garden. For this reason, if notified within seven days from the date of delivery we offer a full refund (less any agreed carriage costs) once the item has been returned in the same condition as it left our premises.

Description
As you can see from this fine pedestal desk (Circa 1860) satin birch is a beautiful timber.
“
So, you maybe surprised to learn, that it only found favour within the 19th Century for relatively short period of time - possibly it was too light and airy for the Victorian's taste.
Culvertons

However, it is a perfect choice for 21st Century interiors. The drawers to the desk are made from solid ash, and they have their full complement of original locks (working & key supplied) plus nearly all (two had to be turned to match) of its original wooden knobs. The writing surface is at the correct height and their is plenty of legroom. Unusually there has never been any castors to the underside of this desk, so no need to worry about undue wear and tear to your floor or carpet.

fig 1. A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface.
fig 1. 19th Century Satin Birch Pedestal Desk

Now, after sympathetic restoration, re-polishing and the re-leathering of its writing surface has been completed, this antique satin birch desk is ready to be used and enjoyed for generations to come.

Measurements of knee hole - 49.5 cm wide x 62.5 cm high

Height
77cm (30.31")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Date of Manufacture

Culvertons has dated this Satin Birch Pedestal Desk to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA773596
Culvertons
Culvertons
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2013
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Culvertons Profile Page

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A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface.
1 / 9
Archive I A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface.

19th Century Satin Birch Pedestal Desk

Archive II A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View II
Archive III A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface. View IX
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Culvertons

Culvertons
Telephone 0777 542 6867 or 01306 770212
Location
42 A West Street
Dorking
Surrey
RH4 1BU
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/culvertons
Verified Since Dec 2013
Items For Sale 49
Items Sold 316
Culvertons
Culvertons
Verified Since Dec 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: 42 A West Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BU, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/culvertons
Verified
Dec 2013
For Sale
49
Sold
316
A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface.
19th Century satin birch pedestal desk
Ref: SA773596
A 19th-century satin birch pedestal desk featuring nine drawers with turned wooden handles and a green leather inset writing surface.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialSatin Birch, Leather, Wood
  • ColourWarm Honey Brown
  • MotifsGreen leather inset top, Turned wooden knobs, Nine-drawer configuration, Plinth base
  • SizeH 77 cm (30 in) x W 122 cm (48 in) x D 60 cm (24 in)

This Victorian pedestal desk dates to the 19th century and is made from satin birch with solid ash drawer interiors, finished in a warm honey brown colour. The piece features a green leather inset writing surface bordered by wooden moulding, nine graduated drawers arranged in pedestals flanking a central kneehole, and simple turned wooden knobs on each drawer front. It stands directly on plain plinth bases with no castors, and exhibits a polished timber finish following recent sympathetic restoration and re-leathering. The desk measures 77 cm high, 122 cm wide, and 60 cm deep, with a kneehole opening measuring 49.5 cm wide and 62.5 cm high. Today, a desk of this form serves as a functional workspace in a home study, library, or traditional office setting. The proportions provide ample surface area for daily writing or computing tasks alongside practical storage capacity across the nine drawers. The light-toned timber grain integrates easily into contemporary domestic interiors while offering period character. The construction and arrangement accommodate everyday use while maintaining the original proportions and locking mechanisms of the Victorian era.

FAQs

A pedestal desk consists of a flat writing surface supported by two vertical pedestals containing drawers or cupboards, leaving an open central area for legroom. Originating in 18th-century Britain, this functional layout became a staple of formal offices and private libraries.

Pedestal desks from the 19th century were constructed using durable hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, walnut, and satin birch. Writing surfaces were typically lined with gilt-tooled leather or baize to create a smooth face for paperwork.

Authentic period pieces feature hand-cut dovetail drawer joints, original turned timber knobs or brass pull handles, and natural wear patterns on the original leather inset. Inspecting the underside reveals hand-sawn secondary timbers and traditional construction techniques.

Position the desk centrally in a home office or study space to serve as a focal point with natural light from a side window. Complement the timber tones with a contemporary brass desk lamp and an upholstered executive armchair.

Apply a clear natural beeswax polish to the timber surfaces annually, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the wood grain. Clean the leather surface with a dry microfibre cloth and condition it occasionally with a specialised leather salve.
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