Antique George III Pollard Oak Davenport Desk with Slide and Turn Top, 1780s

Details

Description

A rare and highly attractive antique George III pollard oak Davenport desk of small proportions and exceptional character. The piece … Read more A rare and highly attractive antique George III pollard oak Davenport desk of small proportions and exceptional character. The piece dates from the late 18th century and is beautifully veneered throughout in richly figured pollard oak, displaying dramatic burr patterns and warm colour.

The desk features a traditional sloping writing surface with an inset tooled leather panel. Behind the writing slope is a small raised stationery compartment enclosed by a pierced brass gallery, an elegant feature often found on high quality Davenports of the period.

A particularly interesting feature of this desk is its original slide and turn top mechanism, allowing the upper section to be gently slid forward and rotated to provide comfortable access to the writing surface and interior. This clever arrangement allows the desk to be used even when placed close to a wall and demonstrates the thoughtful craftsmanship typical of Georgian cabinet making.

The front is fitted with four drawers, each retaining their original key escutcheons and finished with attractive turned knobs. The drawers are finely constructed and provide useful storage while maintaining the compact footprint typical of this form.

The desk stands on original bun feet and the quality of the veneers, together with the rich colour and figuring of the pollard oak, makes this an excellent and decorative example of a late 18th century Davenport desk.

Condition
Very good antique condition with age related wear. The leather writing surface shows historic wear consistent with age and use. The drawers run well and the structure is solid.

Dimensions
Height: 81.5 cm (32.09 inches)
Width: 36.5 cm (14.37 inches)
Depth: 49 cm (19.29 inches)

Date: 1780
Origin: English See less