A Burled Walnut Davenport Desk, American or English, c.1860

This is not one of those Davenport desks of the mid-19th century period that were quite common and mass-produced, i.e. without any hand-carving or complicated turnings, etc. Our example has fine dovetailed drawers, not machined, and finely turned columns. It is obviously shop-made at the standard of fine furniture.

A related example to ours with similar columns and uncarved plinths below is illustrated in English Furniture: From the Middle Ages to Modern Times, Margaret McDonald-Taylor. Incidentally, the candle holders on the illustrated example, were added and are out of period. Our Davenport desk retains its original small walnut pulls, in addition to a fully developed desk interior above its original leather writing tablet, which lifts up to reveal a satinwood series of real and faux drawers for storage. Note the vibrant crotch grain walnut panels between the columns.

This Davenport desk is a fine example and one of the best of its kind, and although quite complex, as a cabinetpiece, it is relatively small and makes a meaningful addition to a room's decoration.

Height: 34 in. Width: 21 1/4 in. Depth: 22 in.