A stunning 19th-century davenport desk crafted in flame mahogany exudes elegance and functionality. Its compact, inclined writing surface is complemented by a hinged lid that unveils a meticulously organized interior comprising storage compartments, diminutive drawers, and pigeonholes designed for paper and stationery.
The desk features a practical bank of functional drawers on one side (four visible in the image), complemented by matching dummy drawer fronts on the opposite side to maintain visual harmony and symmetry. A shallow, pierced brass gallery traverses the top edge, adding a delicate decorative element. The lower section is supported by turned legs and equipped with concealed castors, enabling effortless mobility while preserving an elegant profile.
The lock, stamped “VR” for Victoria Regina, signifies its manufacture during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901). The crown motif above the initials is characteristic of Victorian-era locks. The additional marking “Secure Lever” indicates the type of patented lever mechanism employed by various makers of the period, a feature marketed for its enhanced reliability and security.
The davenport form itself dates back to the 18th century, originally commissioned by Captain Davenport from the renowned Lancaster firm Gillows, to which this piece is attributed. It maintained its popularity throughout the Regency and Victorian eras, esteemed for its compact practicality in smaller rooms and frequently utilized as a convenient writing desk for a lady or employed in a study.
Size: 29 1/2" H x 21" W x 17 1/2" D
C. 1860, England
A stunning 19th-century davenport desk crafted in flame mahogany exudes elegance and functionality. Its compact, inclined writing surface is complemented by a hinged lid that unveils a meticulously organized interior comprising storage compartments, diminutive drawers, and pigeonholes designed for paper and stationery.
The desk features a practical bank of functional drawers on one side (four visible in the image), complemented by matching dummy drawer fronts on the opposite side to maintain visual harmony and symmetry. A shallow, pierced brass gallery traverses the top edge, adding a delicate decorative element. The lower section is supported by turned legs and equipped with concealed castors, enabling effortless mobility while preserving an elegant profile.
The lock, stamped “VR” for Victoria Regina, signifies its manufacture during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901). The crown motif above the initials is characteristic of Victorian-era locks. The additional marking “Secure Lever” indicates the type of patented lever mechanism employed by various makers of the period, a feature marketed for its enhanced reliability and security.
The davenport form itself dates back to the 18th century, originally commissioned by Captain Davenport from the renowned Lancaster firm Gillows, to which this piece is attributed. It maintained its popularity throughout the Regency and Victorian eras, esteemed for its compact practicality in smaller rooms and frequently utilized as a convenient writing desk for a lady or employed in a study.
Size: 29 1/2" H x 21" W x 17 1/2" D
C. 1860, England
