Antique Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk

An extremely fine gilt bronze mounted parquetry kidney shaped writing table attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. English Circa 1865 The rosewood lozenge trellis inlaid kidney shape...

A highly Important, Early Regency period mahogany, ebonised and parcel-gilt partners writing table on monopodia legs of exceptional quality and design, in the manner of George Smith, stamped Chas Norman, whom was associated with the work of Gillows. Labelled ‘Morning Room’. English, Regency period, circa 1810. Rarely seen, the crescent shaped ended rectangular top, beautifully lined with the original gilt tooled leather writing surface, enclosed by a mahogany cross-banded border and reeded edge. The frieze, containing four finely chosen fiddle-back mahogany drawers, two pairs to opposing sides, each retaining the original gadrooned carved ebonised knob handles. The perimeters having a finely ebonised cockbead, whilst the drawer liners being executed in mahogany retain the original recessed brass locks, which look to have never been removed. Flanking the drawers are bead-moulded ebonised panels which conform to either end above a reeded mould. Raised on four boldly designed and imposing, crisply carved, ebonised and parcel-gilt leopard monopodia supports, of wonderful original waxed condition. The Egyptian leopards mask above a bold breast decorated with carved gilt anthemion and guilloche motifs, finishing on a finely detailed carved leg and paw foot. The condition is excellent, retaining the original hand-dyed and gilt tooled waxed leather writing surface along with original locks, handles and ebonising with gilt-work to the legs. Commissioned for what presumes to be a private collection and due to its condition, being obvious to see, this writing table has been home to an important household. Labelled ‘Morning Library’ to the underside, whilst in this exemplary condition strongly suggests this striking piece of Regency furniture has furnished the library of the said house for the majority of its life. As can be noted, this is an extremely rare, elegant, early Regency writing table of exceptional colour, which corresponds with designs of the celebrated furniture maker and designer George Smith, workmanship of Gillows, being stamped to the underside Chas Norman four times. George Smith (1756 - 1826) was one of the most influential furniture designers of the English Regency Period (1811-1830). Smith, who began his pattern-book in 1804, wrote of ‘the great taste and elegance’ of this design. In 1808 he published his influential and definitive text on Regency interior Design titled ‘ A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration’ and classed himself as ‘Upholder Extraordinary to His Royal Excellency the Prince of Wales’…The Prince Regent. Smith was inspired in his designs from his earlier career as an Egyptologist, producing drawings incorporating motifs of Leopards heads and paws, Lions, sphinx’s, anthemia, and griffons amongst others. Charles Heathcote Tatham (1772-1842) published ‘Etchings, Representing the Best Examples of Ancient Ornamental Architecture; Drawn from the Originals in Rome, and Other Parts of Italy During the Years 1794, 1795, and 1796’, in which he illustrated an antique tripod table...

Rare and outstanding example of an early 19th century Anglo-Chinese export amboyna and ebony campaign kneehole desk retaining the original patina with wonderful colour. China circa 1830 One of the finest examples you will see, constructed using thick hand sawn cuts of amboyna and solid ebony with ivory stringing and countersunk brass pulls to the camphor wood lined drawers, having brass drop carrying handles to each side. The rectangular top with book matched amboyna veneers enclosed by a solid ebony boarder above a frieze drawer fitted with an adjustable inset velvet lined writing slope flanked by multiple sliding lidded compartments and pen rests. Below is an arrangement of nine ivory strung drawers and a kneehole recess with foliate carved and pierced ankle brackets, the whole being raised on eight solid ebony turned feet. This impressive colonial inspired desk is Chinese and would have been intended for the export market. Some years back this desk was often mistaken to have been Anglo-Indian due to the fact it shares many characteristics of Indian furniture...

An extremely fine 19th century French Louis XV Revival gilt ormolu mounted Kingwood bureau de dame / writing table. French, circa 1870. A very attractive and of the finest qua...

An exceptionally fine example of an early 17th Century Spanish renaissance walnut vargueno / bargueno escritorio writing desk on trestle stand. Sp...

An extremely fine and unusual French Amboyan and gilt bronze bureau plat - writing table inspired by the Neoclassical designs. French circa 1880-1900. A superb amboyna writing ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this early Victorian Military Campaign writing slope in the form of a Davenport desk circa 1840-1860 in solid mahogany I’ve only ever seen one o...

Presenting an exquisite Victorian Burr and Figured Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk dating back to approximately 1870. This charming piece exudes age and character, making it a ra...

An antique diminutive davenport desk offers burl and mahogany construction with upper pierced bronze gallery over slant front desk having watercolor...

An early 19th century rosewood davenport desk, with low gallery above a lifting slant front writing surface, with inset leather top & gold tooling. A small inkwell & pen holding & draw & pivoting drawer. It's interior having small drawers above 4 drawers, graduated in size from small to large, all raised on a plinth on original castors. each drawer having a lock & all sharing a key, England, Circa 1820. The Davenport desk owes its name to a Captain...

An antiqued mahogany writing table, the serpentine parquetry planked top inset with a central burnished leather writing surface, above t...

Introducing a delightful German Davenport desk dating back to 1870. This small and narrow desk showcases a distinctive design with an inclined top table and a convenient box with a lid. Its unique shape corresponds to the renowned typology known as the Davenport desk, named after Captain Davenport...