What defines a Victorian partners desk?

A partners desk is a large free-standing desk designed for two people to work facing each other, originally popularised in 19th-century Britain with drawers and cupboards accessible from both sides.

What is pollard oak furniture?

Pollard oak refers to timber harvested from oak trees that have undergone pollarding, producing dense, highly figured grain patterns with distinctive burrs and knots used for decorative veneers.

How can you identify authentic Howard & Sons furniture?

Authentic Howard & Sons pieces frequently feature stamped drawer edges, stamped brass castors, or printed paper labels bearing the firms address and serial numbers.

How do you style a Victorian oak desk in a contemporary interior?

Position the desk centrally as a statement piece in a dedicated home office or study, paired with neutral walls, modern directional lighting, and clean-lined leather seating.

How should antique leather desk tops be maintained?

Maintain leather desk inserts by dusting with a dry soft cloth, keeping out of direct sunlight to prevent drying, and applying specialised leather balm periodically to preserve flexibility.

for sale €6,435 $6,985

£5,500

Royal House Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2021

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Royal house antiques is a privately-owned family ran company founded in wimbledon in 2012 by husband and wife james and iris thorpe

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Nineteenth Century Oak Desk

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Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

Name: Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA818530
Price: 5500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Royal House Antiques

Description

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime exceptionally rare circa 1880 Pollard oak partner desk with oxblood leather top made by and fully stamped Howard & Son’s Berners Street.

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price.

What can I say, a 140 year old desk, in one of the best timbers around and made by one of the greatest furniture makers England has ever produced. Howard & Son’s history is extensive, I’ll include a short bio below.

The desk has the normal partner desk drawer configuration, there are divider slots and some dividers in most drawers, most likely this was a watch makers desk.

We have cleaned waxed and polished this from top to bottom, there will be normal age and use related patina marks here and there, nothing that detracts from the age, charm and sophistication of the piece.

Dimensions

Height:- 74cm

Width:- 137cm

Depth:- 70cm

Legroom

Height:- 60cm

Width:- 55.5cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask.

Howard & Sons, Berners Street, London (1820 - 1947)

Established in 1820 by John Howard, going on to become Howard & Sons and trading from multiple addresses in central London, the firm is best known for it’s exceptional quality upholstered furniture but also excelled in upholstery, cabinet making and wall and floor coverings.

In 1872 they relocated to their most notable address, Berners Street, and flourished winning awards at multiple exhibitions including two golds and a silver at the Paris exhibition of 1900.

Working for exclusive clients throughout the 19th and early 20th century, and boasting Royal patronage,

Howard & Sons is a sure mark of quality. The Victoria and Albert Museum of London have an 1862 cabinet in their collection. Most of their work is marked with either a stamp, paper or Ivorine label. Stamps often found on castors or the inside back leg. They ceased trading in 1947.

Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid.

Physical Dimensions

Height

74cm (29.13")

Width

137cm (53.94")

Depth

70cm (27.56")

Declaration

Royal House Antiques has dated this Pollard Oak Pedestal Desk to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA818530

Description

fig 1. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 1. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price.

“

What can I say, a 140 year old desk, in one of the best timbers around and made by one of the greatest furniture makers England has ever produced.

Royal House Antiques

Howard & Son’s history is extensive, I’ll include a short bio below.

fig 2. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 2. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

The desk has the normal partner desk drawer configuration, there are divider slots and some dividers in most drawers, most likely this was a watch makers desk.

We have cleaned waxed and polished this from top to bottom, there will be normal age and use related patina marks here and there, nothing that detracts from the age, charm and sophistication of the piece.

fig 3. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 3. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

Dimensions

Height:- 74cm

Width:- 137cm

Depth:- 70cm

Legroom

Height:- 60cm

Width:- 55.5cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask.

fig 4. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 4. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

Howard & Sons, Berners Street, London (1820 - 1947)

Established in 1820 by John Howard, going on to become Howard & Sons and trading from multiple addresses in central London, the firm is best known for it’s exceptional quality upholstered furniture but also excelled in upholstery, cabinet making and wall and floor coverings.

fig 5. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 5. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

In 1872 they relocated to their most notable address, Berners Street, and flourished winning awards at multiple exhibitions including two golds and a silver at the Paris exhibition of 1900.

Working for exclusive clients throughout the 19th and early 20th century, and boasting Royal patronage,

fig 6. A Victorian pollard oak pedestal desk featuring an oxblood red leather writing surface and nine drawers with turned wooden handles. — fig 6. Rare Circa 1880 Antique Howard & Son's Pollard Oak Patner Desk Oxblood Leather

Howard & Sons is a sure mark of quality. The Victoria and Albert Museum of London have an 1862 cabinet in their collection. Most of their work is marked with either a stamp, paper or Ivorine label. Stamps often found on castors or the inside back leg. They ceased trading in 1947.

Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid.