Antique William IV Rosewood Davenport Desk by W&C Wilkinson c.1835

A finely made William IV rosewood Davenport desk, crafted in exceptional rosewood and stamped by the maker W&C Wilkinson of Ludgate Hill. Classic Davenport form with a sloping writing surface, gilt-tooled inset leather and a bank of mahogany drawers concealed behind a locking panelled door. The front supports are elegantly carved in scrolling rosewood with pierced fretwork panels, all hand-cut and typical of the very best London cabinetmaking of the 1830s. The writing surface unlocks and lifts open to a spacious interior with two small upper drawers above two dummy drawers. To the right-hand side sits a sliding pen drawer with its original dividers and complete with period brass-mounted inkwell. Wonderfully shaped hollow bun feet with concealed brass castors complete the design and allow the desk to be easily positioned as needed within a room. The desk has an impressive and imposing presence combined with a conveniently compact footprint, with the delicacy and elegance associated with late Regency and William IV design. The rosewood is beautifully figured throughout, giving the piece warmth and movement under natural light. Presented in very good antique condition with a warm, even patina and surface wear commensurate with age and use. There is a fine split to the writing slope at the right-hand edge where the central panel has contracted within its frame, the result of natural timber movement over time, entirely stable and typical of early framed construction. Keys for both the door and the desk are present, and the writing slope locks simply by pressing it down slightly before turning the key. The structure is solid, the drawers run well and the writing surface lifts smoothly. Clean, sound and ready to place in the home. English, circa 1835. H: 91 W: 58.5 D: 63 cm Height to front of desk: 77.5 cm Height to underside of desk: 67 cm