What kind of leather is used?

Most British makers used sheepskin or calfskin for the writing surface. Sheepskin skivers are thinner and more common on commercial pieces. Calfskin tooling hides are thicker and resist writing pressure better. Dealers prefer calfskin when replacing a worn surface today.

I have limited space in my home office but like the look of these, do they come in smaller sizes for regular houses?

Antique partners desks are built large. They had to accommodate two working adults with enough legroom and surface area to manage ledgers. You might find a standard single-sided pedestal desk better for a small room. They share the same visual style and drawer layout but sit flush against a wall to save floor space.

Do both sides have drawers?

It depends on the original order. Some have identical drawers on both faces. Others mix drawers on one side with cupboards opposite.

My floor is slightly uneven in the study, will a heavy desk like this sit flat or will it wobble around when I type?

Most sit on flat plinth bases rather than individual legs. A plinth spreads the weight across a larger footprint, which helps absorb minor floor variations. If the desk rocks, check underneath. Many retain their original castors recessed inside the plinth. You can often adjust the stance by placing a small wooden shim under a castor wheel until the top sits level.

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Antique Partners Desks from the 19th Century

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An antique partners desk is a broad, deep freestanding table resting on twin pedestals, fitted with drawers and cupboards on both the front and back so two people can work facing one another.