The emergence of leather topped desks in the 18th to early 19th Centuries occurred as the craze for writing among the general masses really took off. Before this period desks were usually humble tables or converted boxes. As you know any raised wood grain of the surface can interfere with an elegant flowing script, but it was found the softer cushioning effect of a leather Skiver (name for the leather used on a desk) to be a great solution. It also helped protect the expensive leather bound books being viewed on them. Soon thin tanned leathers in various colours with gilt tooled detailing were be used on desks to great effect and we have never looked back since. Since Skivers require careful preparation and fitting they are usually a sign of a quality desk. One can find them on grand Knee Hole desks, Library tables or elegant Davenports. As a cheaper alternative people did use first Oil Cloth and then Vinyl, but down through the years nothing has ever compared to leather for comfort and durability. Today modern Skiver replacements are common and often preferred on older desks.
At LoveAntiques we have a great selection of quality antique leather top desks as well as vintage leather top desks for sale as well.
Marylebone Antiques
French Kidney Shaped Leather Top Desk
£ 1,375
Beresford Antiques Ltd
Large Mahogany Partners Desk with Inset Leather Leather Top by Richardson of Leeds
£ 975
Large Mahogany Partners Desk with Inset Leather Leather Top by Richardson of Leeds
£ 975
Beresford Antiques Ltd
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk
£ 1,150
£ 585
Marylebone Antiques
Mahogany Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
£ 1,375
£ 4,950
Antique Architect's Desk, Adjustable, Draughtsman, Pedestal - English - Georgian
£ 4,950
London Fine Ltd
Avego Antiques and Collectibles
Leather Mid Century Mahogany Nine Drawer Twin Pedestal Deep Desk
£ 480
Leather Mid Century Mahogany Nine Drawer Twin Pedestal Deep Desk
£ 480
Avego Antiques and Collectibles
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Sheraton Revival Mahogany & Satinwood Desk
£ 975
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Partners Desk / Writing Table
£ 1,250
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Partners Desk / Writing Table
£ 1,250
Marylebone Antiques
£ 1,650
Marylebone Antiques
Vintage Walnut & Oak Leather Top Desk
£ 1,100
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Table / Desk
£ 1,250
LT Antiques
Early Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk
£ 795
Marylebone Antiques
French Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
£ 1,675
Daniel Clark Furniture
Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour Writing Table
£ 1,095
Marylebone Antiques
Mahogany Leather Top Desk / Console Table
£ 595
Marylebone Antiques
Mahogany Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
£ 950
LT Antiques
Large Carved Oak Library Writing Table
£ 2,950
Beresford Antiques Ltd
19th Century Mahogany Three Part Desk with Inset Leather Top
£ 625
LT Antiques
Rare Large George III Mahogany Partners Desk
£ 3,250
Marylebone Antiques
Antique William IV Rosewood Writing Table / Desk
£ 2,250
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Pedestal Desk
£ 1,575
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Desk
£ 975
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Edwardian Mahogany Desk / Writing Table
£ 775
£ 4,450
Marylebone Antiques
Art Deco Burr Walnut Leather Top Partners Desk
£ 6,950
Marylebone Antiques
Mahogany Military Campaign Style Desk
£ 1,250
LT Antiques
Large Victorian Mahogany Writing Table
£ 2,650
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Chippendale Style Mahogany Leather Top Desk
£ 1,375
£ 699
JMR Antiques Ltd
Small Inlaid Writing Table with Two Drawers
£ 595
Antiques & Chic
Victorian Mahogany Desk, Brass Castors, Tan Leather Top
£ 645
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Pedestal Desk
£ 1,750
Marylebone Antiques
Yew Wood Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
£ 1,500
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Writing Table / Desk
£ 675
Mersham Manor Antiques
19th Century French Rosewood Desk
£ 1,295
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Victorian Mahogany Leather Top Knee Hole Desk
£ 1,850
Town House Traders Ltd
Quality Walnut Pedestal Writing Desk
£ 440
Marylebone Antiques
Antique Mahogany Kidney Shaped Desk
£ 1,575
Mersham Manor Antiques
Regency Mahogany Partners Writing Table
£ 1,295
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