A rare burr walnut architects desk

REF1061 


This glorious example of early walnut has survived in remarkable state of preservation, retaining a wonderfully untouched colour and patina.
The hinged top with re entrant corners on a lifting ratchet mechanism. The panelled book matched veneers with double herringbone inlay, cross-banding, retractable book rest and two hinged brass candlestick holders. The pull out writing drawer, supported by two front legs with a leather lined writing surface incorporates a hinged lid and reveals an arrangement of compartments, secret compartments and a hinged pen drawer below. The four short drawers and one long drawer within the front legs, all-retaining their original handles.

This rare, early Georgian architects table is particularly unusual as it incorporates a chest of drawers within its pull out writing surface.  One similar knee hole chest sold in Christies New York 22nd April 1999 Lot 192 for $ 189,500. Another example previously owner by Sir Nicholas Goodison is illustrated in ‘Hotspur, Eighty Years of Antiques Dealing’, Figure 13 pp. 90- 91.