Lincoln Restorations has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
A very unique desk.
The original piano dates to 1796, from our limited research we believe this conversion could have been done in the Broadwood factory or is an antique conversion possibly carried out in the Victorian times.
We have been told that the company John Broadwood and Son did create commissioned desks from piano cases on rare occasions, however, we cannot say this for certain or that this is one of those pieces. What we can say is that the conversion has been carried out with the upmost quality and has been done for a very long time due to the genuine wear and patina on the desk lid.
Thomas Broadwood famously made Beethoven a Grand pianoforte in 1817. In the spring and summer of 1817 while in Vienna Broadwood met Beethoven several times and on his return to London conceived the idea of sending a grand piano made by the firm to Beethoven as a gift. The piano is now in The National Museum of Hungary in Budapest.
From the top down, this desk features Boxwood Inlays to the solid Mahogany tops, 2 of which lift up. The rear reveals a large storage compartment ideal for books. The front face unlocks via a period lock and key and the front top lifts up to reveal a stunning Satinwood Boxwood and ebony inlaid secretaire desk. This very usable desk is complete with 5 Inlaid finely dovetailed drawers large enough to store A5 paper and are complete with bone knobs. The centre larger drawer bares the Manufacturers original hand painted emblem of “John Broadwood and Son Great Putteney Street Golden Square London 1796”. The secretaire compartment also features and 10 useful pigeon holes and is ideal for working on laptops. When the lids are closed this desk makes a lovely unassuming side, hall or console table.
The desk is raised on square tapering boxwood inlaid legs which terminate to square solid polished brass caps and castors.
This desk is in fantastic condition with no joint movement or wobbles, the tops are flat without twisting and the lids fold as intended and the lock works smoothly. We have just carried out minor conservation work, cleaned and carefully waxed this unique piece.
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, This desk is a 2 piece desk, the top portion is separated from the legs and drops onto a frame, making it easy to transport or place in any room.
Dimensions
Height: 980mm
Width: 1060mm
Depth: 655mm
Desk Height: 720mm
Height to underside rail: 630mm
Rear compartment size
Internal Height: 250mm
Internal Width: 990mm
Delivery
Private insured courier normally £60 for this item, enquire for accurate quote*
Lincoln Restorations has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
Specialist antique furniture and safe restorers. - to buy from US, please visit our website and search for the item number (numbers only) -
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lincoln Restorations Profile Page
Georgian John Broadwood Mahogany Inlaid Secretaire Desk
