What defines an Edwardian ladies bureau?

An Edwardian ladies bureau is a compact writing cabinet produced between 1890 and 1910, featuring a slant-front or drop-front writing flap, interior pigeonholes, and refined decorative elements such as marquetry inlays tailored for domestic spaces.

What materials were traditionally used in late 19th-century inlaid bureaux?

Cabinetmakers commonly used dark hardwoods such as rosewood or mahogany for the main frame, decorated with marquetry inlays made of satinwood or boxwood, paired with glass panels and brass hardware.

How can one identify authentic Edwardian rosewood furniture?

Authentic pieces feature distinct dark grain figure characteristic of rosewood, hand-cut dovetail joinery on drawers, original brass lock mechanisms, and fine classical or floral inlay work.

How can an antique ladies bureau be styled in a modern interior?

A compact writing bureau works effectively as a functional desk in a home office, a hallway accent piece, or a vanity station within a bedroom setting.

What is the recommended method for preserving an antique rosewood bureau?

Position the piece away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent timber movement, apply high-grade beeswax twice annually along the wood grain, and clean glass surfaces with a non-abrasive cloth.

for sale €1,942 $2,108

£1,660

Lincoln Restorations

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2021

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Marquetry Inlaid Desk

Inlaid Rosewood Bureau

Edwardian Ladies Bureau

Victorian Rosewood Bureau

Id #SA886253

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Original Antique Edwardian Rosewood Small Inlaid Ladies Bureau Cabinet C1890

Name: Original Antique Edwardian Rosewood Small Inlaid Ladies Bureau Cabinet C1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA886253
Price: 1660 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Lincoln Restorations

Description

Antique Edwardian Ladies Writing Bureau Cabinet

A highly ornate decorative item in an amazing original condition.

We are delighted to bring to you one of the finest examples of a very rare Edwardian (circa 1890) Ladies Rosewood Bureau cabinet. This ornate writing Bureau is in an outstanding original condition featuring its very ornate boxwood & bone inlays and original beautiful original lightly faded french polished finish and Rosewood colour.

From the top down the Bureau has a swan neck shaped and inlaid top pediment on top an open shelf and bevel edged mirror (original) with shaped and strung supports either side. The top pediment is removable via screws if required. The Bureau has a highly floral inlaid lid which is flanked by bluebell inlays either side with Geometric supporting accents and stringing throughout. The ornate lid unlocks and drops down to reveal a hidden fitted Writing Bureau interior complete with black gold tooled leather writing surface, pigeon holes to the rear and stationary compartment with inkwell holes. The writing surface is held flat by a brass stay and when opened does not flex when used normally.

The lockable cabinet door features pleated cream calico material behind the original glazed panel that hides the interior which is fitted with 2 Mahogany shelves.

All of the locks on this item are original to the piece, they operate smoothly and is complete with its original keys.

We have just lightly restored, carefully cleaned and waxed this very unique item, maintaining its original patina whilst giving a lovely natural sheen.

Please note; This item is in fantastic condition for its age as shown by the photographs below. Being an antique item of this age there are obviously marks, scratches and dents, however, we feel that these points are which adds to its charm and character to a piece.

Also note; items placed on or around are not included in the sale, the sale is for the bureau only.

Dimensions

Overall height with shelf: 1330mm

Overall height without shelf: 1015mm

Overall Width: 585mm

Overall depth: 385mm

Writing surface height: 665mm

Delivery

*Private insured courier normally £60 for this item, enquire for accurate quote*

Physical Dimensions

Height

133cm (52.36")

Width

58cm (22.83")

Depth

38cm (14.96")

Declaration

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Inlaid Rosewood Ladies Bureau to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA886253

Dealers Notes

To place an order with us or see the services we offer, please visit our website.

To find an item quickly on our website, use the selling antiques item number (omitting the SA) in the search bar at the top of the page on our website.

- www.lincolnrestorations.co.uk -

Description

Antique Edwardian Ladies Writing Bureau Cabinet

A highly ornate decorative item in an amazing original condition.

“

We are delighted to bring to you one of the finest examples of a very rare Edwardian (circa 1890) Ladies Rosewood Bureau cabinet.

Lincoln Restorations

This ornate writing Bureau is in an outstanding original condition featuring its very ornate boxwood & bone inlays and original beautiful original lightly faded french polished finish and Rosewood colour.

fig 1. An Edwardian rosewood ladies bureau cabinet featuring marquetry inlay, a mirrored superstructure, a fall-front desk section, and a lower cupboard with a pleated fabric panel. — fig 1. Original Antique Edwardian Rosewood Small Inlaid Ladies Bureau Cabinet C1890

From the top down the Bureau has a swan neck shaped and inlaid top pediment on top an open shelf and bevel edged mirror (original) with shaped and strung supports either side. The top pediment is removable via screws if required. The Bureau has a highly floral inlaid lid which is flanked by bluebell inlays either side with Geometric supporting accents and stringing throughout. The ornate lid unlocks and drops down to reveal a hidden fitted Writing Bureau interior complete with black gold tooled leather writing surface, pigeon holes to the rear and stationary compartment with inkwell holes. The writing surface is held flat by a brass stay and when opened does not flex when used normally.

fig 2. An Edwardian rosewood ladies bureau cabinet featuring marquetry inlay, a mirrored superstructure, a fall-front desk section, and a lower cupboard with a pleated fabric panel. — fig 2. Original Antique Edwardian Rosewood Small Inlaid Ladies Bureau Cabinet C1890

The lockable cabinet door features pleated cream calico material behind the original glazed panel that hides the interior which is fitted with 2 Mahogany shelves.

All of the locks on this item are original to the piece, they operate smoothly and is complete with its original keys.

fig 3. An Edwardian rosewood ladies bureau cabinet featuring marquetry inlay, a mirrored superstructure, a fall-front desk section, and a lower cupboard with a pleated fabric panel. — fig 3. Original Antique Edwardian Rosewood Small Inlaid Ladies Bureau Cabinet C1890

We have just lightly restored, carefully cleaned and waxed this very unique item, maintaining its original patina whilst giving a lovely natural sheen.

Please note; This item is in fantastic condition for its age as shown by the photographs below. Being an antique item of this age there are obviously marks, scratches and dents, however, we feel that these points are which adds to its charm and character to a piece.