Victorian Antique Ship Captain's Davenport Desk

An exceptionally charming Victorian period desk was called a "Davenport" after its English inventor - Captain Davenport. It is also referred to as "ship captain's" furniture, popular on board because of its compact size and efficient use of space.

Hand made of walnut with curly "oyster" burl grain about 1870, front legs are hand-carved. The well-worn gold-tooled leather writing surface lifts, exposing a finished maple interior with tiny compartments and two real and two false drawers. A carved gallery supports books on the top, it tilts open to show golden maple compartments for stationery and inkwells.

On the right side are four drawers, all with beautifully hand-cut dovetails in solid mahogany. Drawer fronts on the left side are false for the sake of symmetry.

The original gleaming satiny finish on all four sides is remarkably fine for its age, with warm golden patina and only minor mars at the edges.

Dimensions of this picturesque English antique jewel of a desk are 22" wide, 23" deep, 34" tall, the leather writing surface slopes up from 28" high at the front.

Item # X-D2068