Victorian Rosewood 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. To keep the "footprint" small, the upper section slides forward like a drawer so there is legroom underneath, see photos of this ingenious feature.

Hand made in England about 1870, the matched rosewood has beautiful distinctive grain, and front legs are spiral columns. The saddle leather writing surface lifts, exposing a finished interior with tiny compartments plus a real and a false drawer. A carved gallery supports books on the top, a lid tilts open to show compartments for pens and inkwells. The front has graceful serpentine curves, original brass drawer locks are operational.

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 patina and a little character - crackling and minor mars at the edges.

Dimensions of this picturesque antique jewel of a desk are 24" wide, 23" deep, 33" tall, the leather writing surface slopes up from 30" high at the front.

Item # C-D2132