Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?

Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.

How did art change in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.

How do you identify 18th-century furniture?

To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?

The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.

What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

18th Century Pedestal Desk

Vietnam Desk

Sheraton Pedestal Table

Brights Of Nettlebed

Mid Century Partners Desk

18th Century Dressing Table Vanity

George Iii Mahogany Dressing Table

George III Mahogany Writing Desks

Pedestal With Storage

Antique George III Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 18th Century

$5,793

H 31.5 in W 71.66 in D 54.73 in

Antique George III Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 18th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a large beautiful antique George III flame mahogany partners pedestal desk, dating from

Category

Antique 1790s English George III Pedestals

Materials

Mahogany

Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

$12,269

H 30.91 in W 67.33 in D 30.52 in

Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

Located in GB

Georgian Mahogany pedestal desk An 18th century Georgian mahogany pedestal desk. The desk has

Category

Antique 18th Century English Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk

$12,979

H 32 in W 42 in D 23 in

18th Century George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Located in Dublin 8, IE

18th century George III mahogany pedestal desk. With green-leather top and large centred drawer

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

18th Century French Provincial Black Painted “Mazarin” Pedestal Desk

$4,800

H 32.13 in W 61.63 in D 26 in

18th Century French Provincial Black Painted “Mazarin” Pedestal Desk

Located in Shippensburg, PA

18th century Item # 403ZLJ18Q An absolutely stunning eight-legged "Mazarin" pedestal desk in early

Category

Antique 18th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Austrian Neoclassic Parquetry Pedestal Desk

$5,800

H 30 in W 39.75 in D 19 in

Austrian Neoclassic Parquetry Pedestal Desk

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top over a long drawer flanked by small drawers over pedestals each with two drawers

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Austrian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Recent Sales

Fine English Mid-18th Century Pedestal Desk in Best Cuban Mahogany

Unavailable

Fine English Mid-18th Century Pedestal Desk in Best Cuban Mahogany

Located in London, GB

Fine English mid-18th century pedestal desk in best Cuban mahogany.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks and Writing Tables

Walnut Kidney Shaped Pedestal Desk

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 50.01 in D 25.6 in

Walnut Kidney Shaped Pedestal Desk

Located in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

A walnut burl veneered, crossbanded and line strung kidney shaped pedestal desk, the burnished

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Vietnamese Regency Pedestals

Althorp Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 54.34 in D 30.32 in

Althorp Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Located in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

A mahogany pedestal desk with brass bound and three quarter pierced brass gallery top inset with a

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Antique Mid-18th Century Vietnamese Desks and Writing Tables

Exceptional Quality Pedestal Desk

Unavailable

H 31 in W 66 in D 26 in

Exceptional Quality Pedestal Desk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Antique desk made of exceptionally fine mahogany with concave front and old green skiver. The

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

George II Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Cellaret Drawer

Unavailable

H 77 in W 148 in D 75 in

George II Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Cellaret Drawer

Located in London, GB

A most unusual late George II period mahogany pedestal desk, with unusual cellaret drawer and side

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks and Writing Tables

Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk, circa 1800

Unavailable

H 30.25 in W 60.5 in D 36 in

Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk, circa 1800

Located in Woodbury, CT

A classical proportioned and finely executed Georgian mahogany pedestal partners desk. The new

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Georgian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk Chippendale Period Brass Swan Neck Handles

Unavailable

H 30 in W 58 in D 36 in

George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk Chippendale Period Brass Swan Neck Handles

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in London, GB

A George III Chippendale period mahogany partners desk, the sectioned leather lined top, with two

Category

Antique 18th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Late 18th Century Figured Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 31.89 in W 48.04 in D 29.14 in

Late 18th Century Figured Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Located in London, GB

A fine quality late 18th century flame-figured mahogany pedestal desk of small proportions, having

Category

Antique 18th Century English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small Late 18th Century Figured Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 31.89 in W 48.04 in D 29.14 in

Small Late 18th Century Figured Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Located in London, GB

A fine quality late 18th century flame-figured mahogany pedestal desk of small proportions, having

Category

Antique 18th Century English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Pedestal Architect's or Library Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 53.55 in D 36.23 in

18th Century Pedestal Architect's or Library Desk

Located in London, by appointment only

A fine late 18th century George III figured mahogany pedestal architects or library desk, the broad

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British George III Desks

18th Century George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 75 in W 152 in D 95 in

18th Century George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk

Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

George III mahogany pedestal desk The rectangular moulded top with red and gilt leather above

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British George III Desks

Materials

Mahogany

English 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Partners Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 53 in D 29 in

English 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Partners Desk

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A rare 18th century mahogany Georgian pedestal partners desk having recently replaced tooled

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique George III Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

Sold

H 30.71 in W 56.3 in D 38.98 in

Antique George III Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a large beautiful antique George III mahogany partners pedestal desk, dating from circa

Category

Antique 1790s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century George III Mahogany Knee Hole Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 52.25 in D 30 in

18th Century George III Mahogany Knee Hole Pedestal Desk

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality unusual George III mahogany pedestal desk. The top is inset with a green

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Pedestal Desk, English, Oak, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Sold

H 32.29 in W 65.75 in D 20.08 in

Antique Pedestal Desk, English, Oak, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pedestal desk. An English, oak cabinet dating to the Georgian period of the late

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique Georgian pedestal desk

Sold

H 12.01 in W 19.39 in D 14.08 in

Antique Georgian pedestal desk

Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

A George III Chippendale period pedestal desk of a good colour and patina, still with its original

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Chippendale Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 60 in D 36 in

Chippendale Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A rare 18th century Chippendale period georgian mahogany partners pedestal desk having beautiful

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th c. English Gadrooned Reading Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 57.5 in D 23.5 in

18th c. English Gadrooned Reading Desk

Located in Greenwich, CT

An 18th century English mahogany pedestal desk with gilt tooled leather inset three-section top

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

An Italian, Veneto, Louis XIV Period Walnut Double Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 30.25 in W 54 in D 35.5 in

An Italian, Veneto, Louis XIV Period Walnut Double Pedestal Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

having a four board molded edge top above a case housing 3 drawers, a writing slide, and two doors with double interior compartments, with original hardware and locks, showing the re...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks

English Georgian-Era Knee-Hole Pedestal Desk of Walnut

Sold

H 31 in W 42 in D 22 in

English Georgian-Era Knee-Hole Pedestal Desk of Walnut

Located in Austin, TX

An English Georgian-Era pedestal desk featuring burr walnut veneers and an embossed leather top

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks

Materials

Brass

Fine Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Brass Carrying Handles

Sold

H 30.5 in W 49 in D 25.25 in

Fine Georgian Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Brass Carrying Handles

Located in San Francisco, CA

A good quality George III mahogany pedestal desk, retaining its original leather top, with 3 frieze

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British George III Desks

Materials

Mahogany

A Rare & Unusual George III Pollard Oak Pedestal Partners Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 76 in

A Rare & Unusual George III Pollard Oak Pedestal Partners Desk

Located in Sheffield, MA

Vitruvian scrolls above pedestals fitted with cupboard doors opening to reveal a bank of drawers on one side

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks

Antique George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

Sold

H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.96 in

Antique George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk, 18th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a superb antique George III mahogany pedestal desk, dating from Circa 1790. The

Category

Antique 1790s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Partner's Pedestal Desk of Mahogany from the 18th Century

Sold

H 30.5 in W 47.25 in D 35.75 in

English Partner's Pedestal Desk of Mahogany from the 18th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome English partner's desk of mahogany from the late 18th century, featuring a moulded top

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass, Metal

George III Mahogany Two Pedestal Leather Top Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 60 in D 38.25 in

George III Mahogany Two Pedestal Leather Top Desk

Located in Huntington, NY

Green dyed leather.

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 55.5 in D 38.5 in

Pedestal Desk

Located in London, GB

Fine Pale Mahogany English Pedestal c1780

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Antique pedestal desk

Sold

H 31.3 in W 48.43 in D 26.97 in

Antique pedestal desk

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A good quality George III period mahogany leather lined pedestal writing desk. The whole is in

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Antique Pedestal Mahogany Free Standing Partners Desks of the 18th Century

Sold

H 31.11 in W 56.89 in D 32.29 in

Antique Pedestal Mahogany Free Standing Partners Desks of the 18th Century

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A fine quality George III period mahogany leather lined pedestal partner's desk with a narrow cross

Category

Antique 1790s English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

MARQUETRY PEDESTAL DESK

Sold

H 31.25 in W 55 in D 26.75 in

MARQUETRY PEDESTAL DESK

Located in Hudson, NY

18th century. The veneer is primarily of walnut, while the figural and floral elements are of stained

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Desks

Materials

Ivory, Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut, Fruitwood

19th Century Mahogany pedestal desk

Sold

H 31 in W 51 in D 33 in

19th Century Mahogany pedestal desk

Located in Penzance, GB

Here we have a very good quality pedestal desk not the usual work type this is constructed as a one

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Desks

Materials

Mahogany

George III pedestal desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 48 in D 31.5 in

George III pedestal desk

Located in Norwalk, CT

English mahogany D shaped pedestal desk, the curved side with false drawers, the flat side with a

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks

Materials

Mahogany

A Good George III Mahogany Double Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 31 in W 48 in D 33 in

A Good George III Mahogany Double Pedestal Desk

Located in New York, NY

London furniture broker and antique dealer c.1830-40, dealing in Georgian furniture. A fine quality desk

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks

An Exceptional Georgian Partners Drafting Library Pedestal Desk

Sold

H 31 in W 60 in D 36 in

An Exceptional Georgian Partners Drafting Library Pedestal Desk

Located in Woodbury, CT

A George III mahogany library/partner's pedesatl desk with "Drawing" mechanism. The writing surface

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Leather, Ivory, Bone

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Waltham 8 Day Banjo Clock for Shreve Crump and Low, Simon Willard Patent

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$3,067

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Victorian Partners Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1860

Located in Potters Bar, GB

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Antique 1860s Victorian Desks

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Mahogany

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century

$7,157

H 30.71 in W 70.08 in D 48.82 in

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a superb and rare antique burr walnut Victorian Revival twin pedestal partners desk, Circa 1900 in date. It is made from beautiful burr walnut. The shaped rectangular top i...

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Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

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Walnut

Beautiful English Desk, Light Mahogany , Early 20th Century

$3,093

H 30.32 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in

Beautiful English Desk, Light Mahogany , Early 20th Century

Located in Berlin, DE

Beautiful English desk, light mahogany 19th century Classic English desk with real leather top. 3 parts - writing surface + 2 drawer containers. Solid wood made of light mahogany ...

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Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

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Leather, Mahogany

Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century

$7,838

H 30.71 in W 54.73 in D 42.13 in

Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful antique Victorian flame mahogany pedestal partners desk, circa 1850 in date. The rectangular top is inset with a stunning gold tooled green leather writing sur...

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Antique 1850s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk

$2,147

H 30.32 in W 48.04 in D 26.78 in

Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk

Located in London, GB

A smart and very useful antique Victorian leather top pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from the 1860-1880 period. The quality is fantastic, this is very well made a...

Category

Antique 1860s British Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century

$10,837

H 31.3 in W 65.36 in D 41.34 in

Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful antique Victorian flame mahogany and satinwood crossbanded pedestal partners desk, circa 1860 in date. The rectanglular top is satinwood crosbanded and inset wi...

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Antique 1860s English Desks and Writing Tables

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Mahogany

19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top

$67,480

H 30 in W 60 in D 34 in

19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top

Located in London, GB

A William IV Mahogany Pedestal Desk Constructed from fine San Domingo mahogany, the desk raised on a plinth and two pedestal supports, each set with three drawers having brass hand...

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Antique 19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Victorian Pedestal Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1860

$3,339

H 31 in W 54 in D 30 in

Victorian Pedestal Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1860

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Victorian mahogany twin pedestal desk. Circa 1860 This des has an arrangement of 9 mahogany lined drawers which retain their original turned knobs. The desk is raised upon a plinth b...

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Antique 1860s Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

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Mahogany

Lovely George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Original Handles

$6,816

H 30.91 in W 48.23 in D 33.47 in

Lovely George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Original Handles

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare original George III circa 1780 walnut twin pedestal double sided partner desk with period handles and green leather surface...

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Antique 1780s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

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Ostrich Leather, Walnut

18th Century Mahogany Desk

$5,896

H 29.93 in W 48.04 in D 25.99 in

18th Century Mahogany Desk

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A George III period mahogany kneehole desk of good size, with the original brasses and lovely one piece top. The whole piece is of great colour and patina, circa 1780 This desk is...

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Antique 1780s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Exceptional Antique Period Georgian Twin Pedestal Partner’s Desk

$5,600

H 30.75 in W 47.75 in D 26.25 in

Exceptional Antique Period Georgian Twin Pedestal Partner’s Desk

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine period Georgian (c. 1800-1820) Partner’s Desk with lighter tone mahogany and original green leather writing surface in a more diminutive size. On twin pedestals, each with fou...

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Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

George III Period Mahogany Partner's Desk, circa 1800

$9,597Sale Price|39% Off

H 31.89 in W 48.82 in D 36.23 in

George III Period Mahogany Partner's Desk, circa 1800

Located in Lymington, GB

A fine George III-period mahogany partner’s desk, circa 1800. This is a very good quality Georgian English partner’s desk of classic proportions. Excellent deep, rich color and pati...

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Antique Early 1800s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

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Mahogany

Very Fine George IV Mahogany and Ebony Partners Desk by Gillows

$65,000

H 31.5 in W 72 in D 46 in

Very Fine George IV Mahogany and Ebony Partners Desk by Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Greenwich, CT

Very fine George IV mahogany and ebony partners desk by Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1825, the tooled double border leather top with cross banding and carved edge, over drawers, the c...

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Antique 1820s English Desks

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Leather, Ebony, Mahogany

Mahogany partners desk

$6,366

H 30 in W 54 in D 36 in

Mahogany partners desk

Located in Cheshire, GB

Mahogany partners desk the rectangular top with inset leather having tooled border, enclosed by a moulded edge over an arrangement of three freeze drawers. Above two pedestals, one s...

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Antique 19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

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Wood

Original George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Lion Head Handle

$9,542

H 28.55 in W 59.06 in D 37.41 in

Original George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Lion Head Handle

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare original George III circa 1780 walnut twin pedestal double sided partner desk with Lion head handles and brown leather surf...

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Antique 1780s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

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Leather, Walnut

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18th Century Pedestal Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal 18th century pedestal desk for your home. A 18th century pedestal desk — often made from wood, mahogany and brass — can elevate any home. A 18th century pedestal desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Georgian styles are sought with frequency.