Object Description
VERY RARE small size 30″ wide George I period Irish walnut desk of the most unusual design. The first thing to say about this desk is it is the most unusual piece of early walnut furniture I think I have ever seen. It is completely genuine and has not been altered in any way. It is almost a cross between a Batchelors chest and a kneehole desk and was obviously a special commission at the time.
Made from solid walnut, probably Virginian red walnut, with feather banding. The top with quarter moulded edge with typical early 18th century shaped corners and feather banding. The top section with three drawers, a central larger drawer with two smaller drawers at each side. The side drawers with their original brass knobs, the central drawer with original plain brass escution and original iron lock with working key. The two smaller end drawers each with a secret drawer to the back which is accessed by removing the drawer completely and sliding the secret drawer out from beneath. The left hand drawer is also fitted for ink bottles. The drawers are all oak lined.
The bottom section has three long drawers with matching feather banding. The drawers are all oak lined and have their original engraved brass escution plates and original iron locks. The swan neck handles are George III period, you can see where the original engraved brass plates with early type fold over straps have been. The base sits on its original shaped sleigh type feet with castors beneath, the top front edges of the sleigh feet are cross banded in walnut.
As can be seen in the photos the underneath part of the top section has a lovely cross grain half round type moulding which is nicely finished at the ends on either side.
The colour and patination are superb. There are one or two minor old repairs as you might expect mostly to the sleigh feet which we have also removed and re-glued properly as they were loose. Just as a matter of interest the carcass under the feet when removed was dovetailed as you would expect.
I have to say I have never seen a piece of furniture quite like this, in some ways you might say it is a bit “ugly” but in other ways it is extremely interesting.
SIZE; 30″ wide by 20 1/2″ deep by 32″ high
CIRCA; 1720