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Victorian Ladies Writing Table / Bon Heur Du Jour
Sold by John Howkins Antiques
sold SA869203
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

John Howkins Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2010
Browse dealers 475 items
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Id #SA869203
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Victorian Ladies Writing Table / Bon Heur Du Jour

19th century
Sold 28 August 2025 · John Howkins Antiques
This “Victorian Ladies Writing Table / Bon Heur Du Jour” found a buyer.

It was listed by John Howkins Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

A superb burr walnut and boxwood inlaid Bon heur du jour. The superstructure having 2 bow fronted cupboards with sevres plaques and ormolu mounts, the interiors with 2 pigeon holes and 3 burr walnut faced drawers. The centre having a decoratively carved open fret back gallery with a mirror and a bow fronted drawer below. The serpentine shaped working surface with outline boxwood and ebony inlay and cross grain moulded edge. The cushion moulded frieze with a hidden drawer and further boxwood line inlay and the whole standing on elegant cabriole legs. Condition - very good, with working locks and keys. Size:- Height...45.25''/ 115cm. Max.Width...48.5''/ 115cm. Max.Depth...21''/ 53cm.

Date of Manufacture

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Victorian Walnut Bonheur Du Jour to the 1870s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
115cm (45.28")
Width
115cm (45.28")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA869203
Dealers Internal Reference
21570
Dealers Notes

ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME.

Viewing by appointment.

Delivery.

We will gladly provide a quote for delivery to any U.K Mainland address and we offer a full 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase. (Less the delivery cost)

Payment.

We accept payment by cheque or bank transfer.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information on this item on 07770 311611.

Description
A superb burr walnut and boxwood inlaid Bon heur du jour.
“
The superstructure having 2 bow fronted cupboards with sevres plaques and ormolu mounts, the interiors with 2 pigeon holes and 3 burr walnut faced drawers.
John Howkins Antiques

The centre having a decoratively carved open fret back gallery with a mirror and a bow fronted drawer below. The serpentine shaped working surface with outline boxwood and ebony inlay and cross grain moulded edge. The cushion moulded frieze with a hidden drawer and further boxwood line inlay and the whole standing on elegant cabriole legs. Condition - very good, with working locks and keys. Size:- Height...45.25''/ 115cm. Max.Width...48.5''/ 115cm. Max.Depth...21''/ 53cm.

Date of Manufacture

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Victorian Walnut Bonheur Du Jour to the 1870s.

Height
115cm (45.28")
Width
115cm (45.28")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA869203
Dealers Internal Ref
21570
John Howkins Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2010
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the John Howkins Antiques Profile Page

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A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Ladies Writing Table / Bon Heur Du Jour

Archive II A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View II
Archive III A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View III
Archive IV A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View IV
Archive V A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View V
Archive VI A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View IX
Archive X A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View X
Archive XI A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs. View XII
Enlarged Archival View

John Howkins Antiques
Telephone 01508 498335 or 07770 311 611
Location
The Grange
Hempnall Green
Norfolk
NR15 2NR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified Since Sep 2010
Items For Sale 475
Items Sold 3,843
John Howkins Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Grange, Hempnall Green, Norfolk, NR15 2NR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified
Sep 2010
For Sale
475
Sold
3,843
A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs.
Victorian Ladies Writing Table / Bon Heur Du Jour
Ref: SA869203
A Victorian walnut bonheur du jour featuring two upper cabinets with porcelain plaques, a central drawer, and cabriole legs.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
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Detail View 7
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Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • Object[Desks & Writing Tables]
  • Period19th century
  • Style[Victorian]
  • Material[Walnut, Burr Walnut, Brass, Porcelain]
  • Colour[Warm Brown]
  • MotifsCabriole legs, Symmetrical upper cabinets, Porcelain plaque inlays, Fretwork gallery
  • SizeH 115 cm (45 in) x W 115 cm (45 in) x D 53 cm (21 in)

FAQs

A bonheur du jour is a small, light ladys writing desk featuring an enclosed cabinet or superstructure on the top surface. Originating in France during the mid-18th century Louis XV period, the form gained renewed popularity in Victorian Britain for domestic correspondence.

These pieces typically feature a secondary timber such as pine or mahogany carcass, overlaid with decorative veneers like burr walnut, kingwood, or satinwood. Construction often incorporates fine dovetail joints in the drawers and hand-carved decorative brass or gilt bronze mounts.

Authenticity is determined by examining timber shrinkage, hand-cut joinery, old secondary woods on drawer linings, and the presence of period-appropriate brass hardware or hand-chiselled mounts. Original patination and minor wear consistent with age also indicate authenticity.

Pairing a traditional wooden desk with modern, clean-lined seating creates a balanced contrast in a study or living space. Keeping the surface styled minimally with a simple task lamp and a small ceramic tray allows the intricate timber grain to serve as the focal point.

Dust surfaces regularly with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth and apply traditional beeswax periodically to nourish the wood and maintain the finish. Avoid placing the piece in direct sunlight or near heat sources to prevent the delicate veneer from cracking or warping.
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