Compact Late 19th-Century Victorian Davenport Desk

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Description

On offer is a late 19th-century Victorian Davenport desk. This distinctively styled compact writing cabinet was named after Captain John … Read more On offer is a late 19th-century Victorian Davenport desk. This distinctively styled compact writing cabinet was named after Captain John Davenport, who first commissioned the design from the renowned English firm Gillows of Lancaster in the late 18th century. Davenports were highly prized in the 1800s for their space-saving footprint, making them popular in captain's quarters aboard ships, small libraries and military campaign settings.

FEATURES: The top presents an angled writing surface lined with a gold-tooled red leather writing insert. The back of the top deck features a decorative brass gallery rail. The entire slanted top is attached to a piano hinge. When lifted, it opens to reveal a beautifully grained birdseye maple veneer interior outfitted with small storage drawers for stationery and ink wells. This comes with a working reproduction key to lock the lid.

STORAGE: Unlike standard desks with front drawers, true Davenport desks feature a stack of graduated side drawers built into one side of the lower cabinet base. The opposite side usually features false drawer fronts to match and maintain symmetry. It also features a pull-out side slide tray for extra workspace.

STYLE: The exterior is finished in a striking black lacquer, accented by fine gold pinstripe inlay scrollwork, a lock escutcheon with a little golden angel below, as well as decorative brass acanthus leaf foot mounts. The interior drawers also have brass handles. The desk rests on cup feet with porcelain casters.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. See less