Victorian Mahogany Davenport Desk with Leather Writing Surface and Carved Floral Rosettes, England, 1850s

Details

Description

Mid-19th century Victorian English Davenport desk, c.1850, crafted in rich polished mahogany. The sloping hinged writing surface is inset with … Read more Mid-19th century Victorian English Davenport desk, c.1850, crafted in rich polished mahogany. The sloping hinged writing surface is inset with a gilt-tooled green leather skiver, opening to reveal a fitted interior with small drawers and compartments.
The desk is supported on elaborately carved scrolling side supports with floral rosettes, reflecting the Rococo Revival taste of the period. Both sides features four working drawers with turned pulls. The desk rests on bun feet.

The Davenport desk is among the most collectible forms of 19th-century English writing furniture. Originally devised by Gillows in the late Georgian period, the type remained fashionable through the Victorian era for its compact proportions and ingenious storage.

This example is distinguished by its carved scrolling supports terminating in rare floral rosettes — a decorative flourish far less common than the plainer columnar or cabriole supports typically found on Davenports. These rosettes place the desk within the Victorian Rococo Revival tradition, appealing to collectors of finely ornamented mid-19th century furniture.
Because many Davenports were heavily used and show losses or simplified later carvings, well-preserved carved examples such as this are increasingly scarce on the market, making them desirable for collectors, interior designers, and those seeking investment-grade antiques. See less