19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top

Constructed from fine San Domingo mahogany, the desk raised on a plinth and two pedestal supports, each set with three drawers having brass handles and flanked by carved fluted pilasters, the frieze houses a large drawer flanked by two smaller ones above an open knee hole with a modesty panel, the corresponding side of the desk lined with leather book spines and a central drawer in conforming style; available cupboard space behind the pedestal drawers accessed from the panelled sides.
English, circa 1840

Dimensions: H: 30 in / 76 cm W: 60 in / 153 cm D: 34 in / 86 cm

San Domingo mahogany, a prized wood native to the Caribbean, has been highly sought after for centuries due to its durability, rich color, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. The wood was primarily sourced from the island of Hispaniola, now home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. San Domingo mahogany became popular in English furniture making during the Georgian and Regency periods, from around 1720 to 1830. Its earliest recorded use in Europe dates back to 1584, when it was incorporated into the construction of the El Escorial palace near Madrid, commissioned by King Philip II.