Early 19th Century British Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows

A Davenport is a type of writing desk name after its creator, Captain Davenport in the late 18th Century.

Although not marked or labeled, this desk is most definitely in the Manner of pieces made by the famous English maker of Gillows of Lancaster and London.

The quality is exceptional and very comparable to other confirmed Gillows pieces.

We date this to circa 1830, as it has a lot of characteristics one would expect from a Regency piece but the circular padded feet and base are more William IV in style.

One side has 4 false drawers and is serpentine in form and shape and the other side has 4 real drawers which are straight in shape and form, There is also a smaller pull out and hinged, ink and pen holder drawer at the top which pulls out fully and then can hinge 90 degrees so that it will be closer to the desk seating area.

The Lid is inlaid with green Moroccan leather with gilt edging.

The interior is made with gorgeous burl yew wood. It has 2 smaller central drawers above one large bottom drawer and two galleried cubbies wither side.

The Front legs are scrolled and beautifully carved with floral motifs.

GORGEOUSLY grained rosewood veneer with original patina on ALL sides and panels. GORGEOUS burl yewood interior and the secondary woods appear to be either sycamore or maple. FABULOUS hand crafted dovetailing to the drawers. Original locks – English double lever locks – marked ‘Patented’. No keys but replacement could be easily and inexpensively made.

This one would have belonged to a wealthy member of British/Irish Society.
It is one of the FINEST examples we have EVER seen!

This desk form was popular during the 19th century. There have been numerous reproductions during the 20th century, and amateur cabinetmakers sometimes consider a Davenport to be an interesting project.

They were originally designed as Campaign pieces so that an Officer and a Gentleman could carry all his stationary with him in one piece and correspond with his loved ones whilst on campaign.

They became very popular in the 19th Century, and evolved from Campaign pieces to essential items for a house of quality and style.

Some, however, are more SPECIAL than others and this is one of the SPECIAL ones!
The desk exudes the highest quality and is ‘unmistakably’ of the quality and style of Gillows
.
It was made with the finest rosewood veneers and gorgeous burl yewood interior, hence the gorgeous natural patina.

Condition: Very good original condition. One wax filled crack on front panel under desk (kneehole), One wax filled crack on back panel and one repair to left side of desk lid. Missing a ‘cubbie separator’ on the inside gallery on the right and some minor losses of molding on the interior drawers. None of these adversely affect the piece. Otherwise it is very, very good.