What is a Davenport desk?

A Davenport is a compact form of sloped top desk featuring a slanted writing surface that often lifts or slides, resting on a pedestal base with drawers. They were designed for small spaces and private correspondence in nineteenth-century homes. Most examples include internal stationery compartments and a side-opening drawer arrangement, combining vertical storage with a comfortable writing angle.

How do I use a bureau daily?

The sloping lid folds down to create a firm writing ledge, while the internal pigeonholes and small drawers organise modern stationery or correspondence. The enclosed surface keeps work out of sight when closed. Leather writing surfaces benefit from occasional gentle conditioning, and the fall-front hinges require care when lowering the heavy wooden flap.

How do I tell Victorian from Georgian pieces?

Georgian desks typically exhibit simpler, heavier architectural proportions in solid oak or figured mahogany with hand-cut dovetails. Victorian pieces often incorporate more complex mechanisms, exotic veneers like burr walnut, and lighter secondary timbers. Stylistic markers such as inlay types, brass hardware design, and interior layouts help distinguish the earlier eighteenth-century forms from nineteenth-century revivals.

Are writing slopes portable?

Writing slopes are rectangular wooden boxes designed to be carried easily and placed upon standard dining or work tables. They feature a hinged lid that opens upward at an angle for writing. Inside, they provide fitted storage for inkwells, pens, and paper, functioning as portable administrative stations for travellers and homeowners alike.

Home > Sloped Top Desk > Page 6

Sloped Top Desk

218 items · page 6 of 14

← Page 6 of 14 →

A sloped top desk provides a dedicated writing surface angled for comfort, combining practical storage with fine cabinetwork.

19th century

Save

William IV 19th Century Table Top Writing Slope

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

18th century

Save

18th Century Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Knife Box

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

Save

Regency Sliding Top Rosewood Davenport

From Helios and Co Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

19thc Pollard Oak Davenport Desk with Drawers Both Sides

1900 - 1920

Save

19thc Pollard Oak Davenport Desk with Drawers Both Sides

From Helios and Co Antiques

£795

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

1900 - 1920

Save

Edwardian Oak Desk and Chair

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Victorian Inlaid 4 Drawer Walnut Davenport.

19th century

Save

Victorian Inlaid 4 Drawer Walnut Davenport.

From Rupert Hitchcox Antiques

£240

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

19th century

Save

19th Century Burr Walnut Davenport

From Martlesham Antiques

£1,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

A Fine Quality Mahogany Slide Front Davenport

19th century

Save

A Fine Quality Mahogany Slide Front Davenport

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£1,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Antique Victorian Quality Burr Walnut Freestanding Davenport

19th century

Save

Antique Victorian Quality Burr Walnut Freestanding Davenport

From London City Antiques

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Georgian Mahogany Knife Box/ Stationery Box

18th century

Save

Georgian Mahogany Knife Box/ Stationery Box

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Listings feature sloped top desk forms spanning the seventeenth century through the Edwardian period, constructed in mahogany, oak, walnut, and rosewood.