Exceptional Rococo Revival Mahogany Partner's Desk, Bertram and Sons, circa 1880

View Similar Items

American Mahogany Partner's Desk

England Partner Desk / Double Desk in Solid Mahogany, circa 1880

1820s English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Greek Key Leather Top

Monumental Antique English Regency Style Partner’s Desk

George II Style Oyster Walnut Partner’s Desk

Mahogany Partners Desk

Renaissance Revival Standing Desk, ca. 1880

19th Century Burl Walnut Partner's Desk with Armchair

Large Mahogany Partner Desk

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk

Mahogany Chippendale Partner Desk

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 11

Exceptional Rococo Revival Mahogany Partner's Desk, Bertram and Sons, circa 1880

About the Item

This inordinately fine partner’s desk was crafted by the firm of Bertram & Sons in London in the last quarter of the 19th century. William Bertram established his firm in 1830 and began dealing at 100 Dean St. in 1839. The central drawer is marked in the clear stamping of the firm “Bertram and Sons, Dean and Oxford St. W”. They were known both as cabinetmakers and retailers of Fine furniture throughout the 19th century. The present example is a most refined work of art. Brilliant mahogany timbers were employed throughout all primary surfaces and most secondary surfaces, the density of the material allowing the remarkably sharp applied Rococo motifs to capture every intricate detail of acanthus, foliage, and flower and stylizing. Original cast bronze mounts perfectly compliment the overall flow of the form and were clearly commission specifically for the form of this desk; each drawer retains its original brass locks, though keys have long since been lost. Note the remarkably precise hand dovetailing of the drawers, where no stray mark or chisel cut is evident in the construction - clearly the work of an incredibly orderly and practiced hand. The large writing surface retains its original gilt tooled red leather top, beautifully patinated and remaining in outstanding condition. The large surface allows two people to comfortably work from the same desk, the primary side with a series of graduated drawers on either side and a single broad drawer centrally; the secondary side has the single broad drawer flanked by smaller drawers, these set over cabinet doors in the pedestals, opening to reveal a shelved interior. The entire desk rests over cabriole legs on scrolled French toes over original castors. This is a rare and excellent find, a remarkable acquisition for passionate collectors of Fine English antiques. It is a large strike point that centres a room and absolutely defines whatever study or office it becomes a part of. Reference material on William Bertram: The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986 Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Christopher Gilbert Measurements: 30 7/8” H x 59 3/4” W x 48” D Condition Report: Missing molding beneath edge of top and at one corner. Chipping and losses to carvings throughout, feet with chip wear; retaining original castors under feet. Finish is early and heavily oxidized with extensive discoloration; would benefit from being refinished at some point. Retaining original leather top with age appropriate wear/scuffs. No working keys. The curved returns inside of pedestals broken and repaired several times. Overall remaining an exceptional presentation piece. We have over one hundred images detailing this desk available upon request.

Creator:
Bertram & Son (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 30.88 in (78.44 cm)Width: 59.75 in (151.77 cm)Depth: 48 in (121.92 cm)
Style:
Rococo Revival (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Mahogany,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. See condition notes in descriptive text, additional images (over 100) available upon request.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 702JKO11W1stDibs: LU105906907913