• Width:
  14 5/8 Inches
• Height:
  31 7/8 Inches
• Depth:
  18 1/8 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

Without question, there is more to this exceptional Davenport desk than meets the eye. Crafted of luxurious and luminous mahogany, this Regency-period desk is compact yet offers ample storage space with four real drawers, which are balanced by four dummy drawers on its opposite side. The leather-upholstered slanted writing surface swivels and slides out, a feature that was only found on very early versions of this design, and lifts to reveal additional space for keeping one's documents. In addition, a knob beneath the cast bronze gallery pulls out to reveal an interior compartment for holding writing instruments, while another reveals a flat writing surface. Beautifully tapered legs set upon original box castors complete this amazing design.

Originating in the 1790s, davenports were first made by the renowned Gillow of Lancaster and London cabinetmakers at the request of a Captain Davenport. They were produced in all stylistic varieties of the period, but Regency versions such as this one are some of the most sought-after by collectors. Truly a fascinating piece, similar versions are featured in Victorian and Edwardian Furniture by John Andrews, and in The Antiques Directory of Furniture, edited by Judith and Martin Miller.

Circa 1810

14 5/8" wide by 18 1/8" deep x 31 7/8" high

Reference:
Victorian and Edwardian Furniture, 1992, John AndrewsThe Antiques Directory of Furniture, 1985, Judith and Martin Miller, eds.