The Antique Furniture Company

Description

A good Chippendale period mid 18th century red walnut kneehole writing desk dressing table of small proportions and dating to circa 1740-50. With a lift-up top featuring a fully fitted interior with a central ratcheted writing slope, lidded compartments, wells and letter racks, the writing slope lifts to reveal a mirror with a hidden drawer and further storage well whilst a further small ink & pen drawer swivels out from the side of the desk. The exterior with a long dummy drawer above three oak lined drawers to each side and a secret apron drawer and cupboard to the kneehole.

With original brass handles and steel locks to the drawers and kneehole cupboard (the top lock for the lid has been replaced at some point as has the green leather to the writing slope). There are keys for the drawers and cupboard, but not the top but we should be able to arrange for one to be cut. Good colour similar to mahogany, minor marks and wear commensurate with age and use including a small piece let into the top edge and splits in the grain to the top. The handles are typical of the 1740’s and the same design is found on pieces by John Pardoe (active c.1717-1748), Giles Grendey (1693-1780) and Peter Fish (fl.1744-1788), originally this would have been called a ‘bureau dressing table’, rather than a kneehole desk, these bureaus first occurred in the 17th century and became increasingly common from 1700, generally they were made for bedchambers and dressing rooms. Overall a high quality piece of furniture and rare to find these superior dual purpose designs.
 
Please feel free to request more photos as we are limited in the number we can upload.

The overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately
Width - 36in (91.5cm)
Depth - 22 1/2in (59.7cm)
Height - 30 7/8in (78.5cm)

Ref: 0689

Please appreciate all our items are antique and as such may have minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits signs of old woodworm, and minor losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee for UK purchases but cannot refund the return shipping cost.