Questions & Answers
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What is a captain’s desk?
1 Answer
A captain’s desk is a type of desk that you stand at rather than sit in front of. It usually has an angled desktop and decorative molding. Captain Josiah Davenport commissioned the British furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster to design the first one in the late 18th century. Sometimes, people refer to the furnishing as a Davenport desk in his honor. Shop a variety of captain’s desks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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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
$1,637 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
