What is the difference between a bureau and a Davenport?

A bureau provides a wide writing flap supported by pull-out lopers above a chest of drawers or stand. It sits lower and offers a larger surface area for paperwork. A Davenport is much more compact, combining a slanted desktop with a pedestal of side drawers. It often includes an upper stationery compartment and a sliding top.

How do I care for the leather writing surface?

Keep the leather clean by dusting it gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or excess moisture, which can damage the original material and surrounding wood. Applying a specialist leather balsam periodically helps maintain suppleness and prevents cracking over time. Protect the surface from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Where were these desks placed in a historic home?

Bureaux typically stood in studies, libraries or principal parlours where estate management and correspondence took place. Their enclosed compartments kept private documents secure. Compact Davenport desks were designed for drawing rooms and boudoirs, allowing ladies to write notes without retreating to a formal study.

How do I identify a Georgian bureau from a Victorian one?

Georgian pieces generally feature simpler, cleaner lines in solid mahogany, oak or walnut with bracket feet and understated brass handles. The internal pigeonholes often show simpler serpentine or arched shapes. Victorian examples frequently utilise heavier timbers, elaborate veneers like burr walnut or amboyna, and more complex mechanical interiors. They may also include turned or carved legs and galleries.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Sloping Top Desk > Page 10

Sloping Top Desk

217 items · page 10 of 14

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A sloping top desk offers a hinged writing flap that lifts to reveal fitted pigeonholes, bringing centuries of practical handwriting furniture into modern studies.

19th century

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Regency Rosewood Slide Top Davenport

From Philip Hunt Antiques

£1,495

FOR SALE

desks

Victorian Satin Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk

19th century

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Victorian Satin Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£790

FOR SALE

desks

Victorian Mahogany Gilt Covered and Painted Stationary Cabinet

19th century

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Victorian Mahogany Gilt Covered and Painted Stationary Cabinet

From Y Not Antiques

£385

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

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Chippendale Bureau on Stand

From Moxhams Antiques

£8,850

FOR SALE

bureau

A Fine Regency Mahogany & Ebony Writing Table in the Manner of Marsh & Tatham.

19th century

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A Fine Regency Mahogany & Ebony Writing Table in the Manner of Marsh & Tatham.

From Stuart Nicolson Antiques

£1,675

FOR SALE

tables

19th century

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Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport

From John Howkins Antiques

£2,650

FOR SALE

desks

19th century

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19th Century Parquetry Miniature Desk

From Martlesham Antiques

£2,550

FOR SALE

desks

19th century

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19th Century Rosewood Writing Table

From Martlesham Antiques

£4,250

FOR SALE

tables

Gillows of Lancaster: William IV Rosewood Writing, Reading, Work Table

19th century

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Gillows of Lancaster: William IV Rosewood Writing, Reading, Work Table

From Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

£3,650

FOR SALE

tables

Antique Verger's Table Top Desk, English, Oak, Ecclesiastical, William Iii, 1700

18th century

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Antique Verger's Table Top Desk, English, Oak, Ecclesiastical, William Iii, 1700

From London Fine Antiques

£2,250

FOR SALE

boxes

Some nineteenth-century Davenport desks incorporate secret compartments hidden behind dummy drawers to keep ink and love letters safely away from curious visitors.

19th century

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Early 19th Century Mahogany Bureau

From Rupert Hitchcox Antiques

£395

FOR SALE

bureau

19th century

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Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£790

FOR SALE

desks

19th century

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Superb Burr Oak Davenport

From Wickersley Antiques

£975

FOR SALE

desks

19th century

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19th Century Rosewood and Inlaid Ladies Writing Desk

From Y Not Antiques

£1,295

FOR SALE

desks

19th century

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Mid 19th Century Campaign Camphor Metamorphic Lap Desk

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£1,595

FOR SALE

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A Quality Late Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Cylinder Desk

19th century

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A Quality Late Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Cylinder Desk

From Mark Buckley Antiques

£4,695

FOR SALE

desks

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Sloping Top Desk

Regency Rosewood Slide Top Davenport

Victorian Satin Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk

Victorian Mahogany Gilt Covered and Painted Stationary Cabinet

Chippendale Bureau on Stand

A Fine Regency Mahogany & Ebony Writing Table in the Manner of Marsh & Tatham.

Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport

19th Century Parquetry Miniature Desk

19th Century Rosewood Writing Table

Gillows of Lancaster: William IV Rosewood Writing, Reading, Work Table

Antique Verger's Table Top Desk, English, Oak, Ecclesiastical, William Iii, 1700

Early 19th Century Mahogany Bureau

Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk

Superb Burr Oak Davenport

19th Century Rosewood and Inlaid Ladies Writing Desk

Mid 19th Century Campaign Camphor Metamorphic Lap Desk

A Quality Late Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Cylinder Desk

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