Webberley Antiques

Description

A very rare campaign desk in three parts, the upper secretaire with original side carrying handles and inlaid to top with a broad oval satinwood string which is repeated in walnut. The border also outlined in satinwood with cupped corners and the border detail repeated to the front of the fall.

The fold down fall - on original brass button release arched hinges - opens to reveal a very finely fitted interior in the Chippendale style of pigeon holes and graduated drawers, all oak lined and satinwood strung and with original handles. Original hinges also and what appears to be the original green baize. I have left this as it is serviceable and not badly worn but it has a split at the centre fold and if preferred can be replaced with a new green baize (at a cost of £60 including professional fitting) or a new leather and gold tooled skiver in a colour of your choice (at a cost of £100).

The upper case with caddy top, the whole made in beautiful rich Honduran mahogany, the drawers lined with finely sanded wainscot oak boards with tiny dovetailed joints and the proportions throughout are superb. There two very old cracks to side panel of the upper case which probably occurred two hundred years ago whilst travelling. These are stable and are shown in our photographs and will not move further. The lower case with one long and four short drawers, again oak lined and with original locks and weighty hand cast brass handles. The stringing continues to the flanks with oval reserves outlined in satinwood and infilled with walnut, with walnut inlaid reeding beneath. Each leg terminates in an original tiny brass caster and the front legs are satinwood strung. The original finely made removable lower shelf with deep arch to front is perfectly fitted and made to mirror the deep arch of the kneehole. The back boards original also and painted in reddish clay wash – a technique used by Chippendale to deter insects.

The desk is designed to be portable and was clearly made bespoke for a wealthy client. It may well have seen military service given its age as Britain fought in the Dutch/Anglo war of 1780s, the war sparked by French Revolution in 1792 and the Napoleonic wars which began in 1803.

The craftsmanship in the cabinet making is exemplary. The condition is excellent and original with only small marks, scratches and knocks consistent with age.

This piece is of the quality of Gillows, and the finish is beautiful – a natural deep sheen and very well cared for all of its 230 years and from a private London estate.

No worm, no repairs.

Highly recommended.


Dimensions are:

38 inches high, 20 inches deep, 36 inches wide (at widest point)

Upper case is 10 inches high. Depth front to back when fall is lowered is 34 inches. From floor to top of kneehole is 22.5 inches.

For metric please multiply by 2.5
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