Antique English Victorian Oak Roll Top Pedestal Office Desk (Circa 1890)

Summary:
• Circa: 1890
• Period: Victorian
• Wood: Oak
• Provenance: England, UK
• Width: 4ft 6”
• Freestanding / centre room desk
• “S” shaped design
• Posting slots either side of tambour
• Solid fielded oak panels
• Interior brass handles, label holders & ebony knobs
• 27 internal drawers
• 5 internal vertical compartments
• 2 pull out writing slide supports
• 8 graduated drawers to pedestals
• 1 central drawer
• Large filing drawer (right pedestal)
• Central modesty board
• Original working lock and key
• Working locking mechanism to pedestal drawers
• Original polish & patination
• Original condition
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy

Description:
Here is a stunning quality antique Victorian oak 4ft 6” wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1890, in good original condition, made in England using the finest materials on hand at the time. The desktop has been constructed from the best quality oak and the exterior of the desk features good quality pronounced fielded (bevel edged) oak panels, decorated with a carved beaded moulding. The number of small drawers within the top section of the desk denotes the quality of the desk and status of its owner. This desk boasts 27 internal drawers and 5 vertical pigeonholes to the top section! Most roll tops do not have half this number of drawers.

Constructed with an “S” shaped design to the top section, the desk was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room. There is a narrow opening each side of the desk, just below the tambour (see photos) to allow people to post letters through the slot addressed to the owner of the desk, whilst the desk was closed. The sliding tambour can be lifted up to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments. The interior houses 27 internal drawers, 24 of which incorporate decorative brass label holders. Two of the drawers feature ebony knobs and there is also a vertical paper tidy draw, which boasts an ornate floral brass handle and features a spring-loaded mechanism for holding papers in place. Incorporated into the bank of drawers are five vertical pigeonhole compartments, ideal for storing paperwork or letters in an upright position. The wooden dividers that separate the pigeonholes can be removed to provide larger single storage spaces if desired. A letter rack is also situated at either side of the desktop.

When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using the original lock and working key, the secret locking mechanism is activated to lock the pedestal. When the sliding tambour is opened again, this deactivates the locking mechanism. The original tambour lock and key are in working order. The decorative key escutcheon is inscribed with name “Angus of London”. The central drawer was not designed to lock with the rest of the drawers when the tambour is closed and so can always be opened.

The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers that are made of top quality satin walnut with hand dovetail construction. Each drawer incorporates its original number of adjustable partition dividers, to enable you to create smaller compartments within the drawers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornately carved oak cup handles. Sitting on top of each pedestal are two large pull-out writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. There is a solid oak fielded panel modesty board in between the two pedestals at the back of the desk. The desk dismantles into three main sections for easy storage or transportation.

This desk is a truly classic example of English roll top desks from the late 19th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see an example, which is not only missing no drawers, but is also in good condition.

The desk features a rich golden oak colour. It has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.

This desk would look superb in a variety of rooms from the work place to the home office. The desk would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Condition Report:
The desk is in good condition and is complete working order. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the main desktop. There are old use marks to the tops of the writing slide supports and insides of the drawers (e.g. old ink stains). The tambour retains its original working barrel lock, with a working key. There are no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). The desk also retains its original internal secret locking mechanism; when the roll-top is closed, it locks all the drawers except for the central drawer. The desk boasts all its internal decorative brass label holders; drawer handles and knobs. Please note, the drawers each have two dividers, the position of which can be adjusted forwards or backwards; the drawers are not missing multiple dividers. The desk has been French polished in our workshops. It is rare to see a roll top desk displaying such quality in such good condition. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:
External height = 127.5cm or 50⅛” or 4ft 2⅛”
External width = 137cm or 54” or 4ft 6”
External depth (including handles) = 90cm or 35⅜” or 2ft 11⅜”
Writing height = 76.3cm or 30” or 2ft 6”
Writing width = 126.9cm or 50” or 4ft 2”
Writing depth = 79cm or 31⅛” or 2ft 7⅛”
Knee height = 65cm or 25⅝” or 2ft 1⅝”
Knee width (pedestals) = 59cm or 23¼” or 1ft 11¼”
Knee width (at plinth) = 57cm or 22½” or 1ft 10½”

Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. Roll top Desk 30