Webberley Antiques

Description

A particularly fine and handsome English George III desk of one long over two banks of three drawers and with a slender drawer above the kneehole. All made in solid red walnut with a well developed and beautiful colour and deep natural patina.

The solid walnut single boarded top with lovely swirling grain and burgundy, gold and cream colouring and a well defined carved ogee border. The drawers with original slender wainscot oak linings, tiny dovetailed joints and in clean and robust order - all retaining their original solid brass ‘Chippendale’ design handles (one with partially replaced backplate). All of the drawers open and close smoothly and are very well fitted.

The central kneehole door with original H brass hinges and opening to reveal a cupboard with single fixed original shaped shelf. Original feet and backboards.

The quality of the timber and cabinet work is excellent. Red walnut is a beautiful, slow growing, heavy and densely grained wood – darker and denser than European walnut – which arrived by ship into the British ports from the eastern colonies or North America. Here it has developed a deep rich patination from years of use, wax and care and it has a very tactile quality.

Heavy and robust without worm and of most attractive well balanced proportions.

The drawers with early steel locks but these do not have a key.

The whole set on wide and curvaceous ogee feet (displaying the influence of the Rococo style on English furniture of this period). In good original condition throughout.


Approximate dimensions are:

30.5 inches high, 32.25 inches wide, 20 inches deep (max at feet), 19.25 inches deep (max at top), 23.5 inches from floor to lowest edge of kneehole drawer, kneehole is 12.5 inches wide.

Graduated drawer heights (internal – usable height) are:

Long frieze/top drawer: 2.25 inches. Each flanking drawer: 5.25 inches, then 5.5 inches, then 5.75 inches. The kneehole small slender drawer: 1.5 inches

For metric please multiply by 2.5
I describe and photograph my pieces accurately and with the aim that on arrival each will exceed expectations.

I operate a full refund guarantee and am always happy to give free, honest and friendly advice.