Rare William & Mary circa 1690 English Oak Barley Twist Bureau Desk on Stand

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Rare William & Mary circa 1690 English Oak Barley Twist Bureau Desk on Stand

About the Item

We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare original William & Mary 1690 barley twist drop front bureau desk on stand in solid English oak A solid oak barley twist gate leg bureau on stand of lovely color. Late 17th century, William & Mary period, circa 1690. This large antique bureau is of a rare early form, a precursor to the transition taking place towards the end of the 17th century, away from chests and document boxes, to purpose-made furniture for the growing numbers of people learning to read and write. Some might refer to this as a slant-front writing desk. These early bureaus were often referred to in Old English as scriptors, écritoires, secretaries, skrewtores or scrutoires, and date from the William and Mary period, (1689-1702). Very few pieces made during this short transitional period survive, and almost none exist without some restoration simply due to the age, this piece is some 330+ years old. The 'barley sugar twist' legs and stretchers are all original, the brown leather writing surface a later addition. It has a stepped, fitted interior. We have sympathetically cleaned waxed and polished the piece from top to bottom, its genuinely in the most wonderful condition Dimensions: Height 98.5cm Width 95cm Depth 52.5cm, opened up 88.5cm This item is available for collection from our Wimbledon warehouses. Condition: Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.

Dimensions:
Height: 38.78 in (98.5 cm)Width: 37.41 in (95 cm)Depth: 20.67 in (52.5 cm)
Style:
William and Mary (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Oak,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1690-1699
Date of Manufacture:
1690
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2823319578002