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What is a captain's desk?
1 Answer

A captain’s desk is sometimes referred to as Davenport desk. It is a small desk with an inclined desktop that can be lifted to access large storage space. It has smaller spaces in the form of small drawers and pigeonholes on the sides. This desk owes its name to Captain Josiah Davenport (1771–1836) who was the first to commission the design. Find a collection of antique and vintage desks on 1stDibs today.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
Shop for Davenport Desks on 1stDibs
Victorian Rosewood Davenport Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Stunning example of a Victorian rosewood Davenport.
The brass gallery rail and tooled leather writing slope enclose an arrangement of small drawers.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Desks
Materials
Rosewood
Edwardian Walunt Davenport Desk
Located in East Aurora, NY
A nice quality Edwardian Walnut Davenport desk with two shelves divided by nicely turned Walnut posts.
Category
Antique 1880s English Edwardian Desks
Materials
Walnut
Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Desk
Item Code: 1265
A fine quality Victorian Davenport desk, crafted from beautifully figured burr walnut with decorative inlay.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Desks
Materials
Walnut
Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870
Located in Belmont, MA
Its unique shape corresponds to the renowned typology known as the Davenport desk, named after Captain Davenport, who commissioned a similar piece from Gillows of Lancaster in the la...
Category
Antique 1870s German Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Anglo Indian teak davenport
Located in Martlesham, GB
A good quality mid 20th Century teak davenport, the top structure having two panelled hinged doors opening to reveal various compartments, the desk section having a panelled hinged d...
Category
Vintage 1960s Indian Victorian Desks
Materials
Teak
$1,645 Sale Price
20% Off
Regency Burr Elm Davenport Desk
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
The term Davenport is owed to Captain Davenport. the first person to commission an item of furniture in this form.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks
Materials
Elm


