Fabulous & Unusual Davenport Unfolding Writing Desk with Chest of Drawers Beneath c.1830

In General  -Especially neat and compact late Georgian Davenport writing desk. -Crafted in mahogany and richly figured flame mahogany, circa 1830. -Presented in a most unusual and pleasingly unfussy format. -Four practical drawers are discreetly enclosed behind a lockable side door. -Unusually designed without dummy drawers on the opposite side. -Lockable opening top and folding front reveal a leather-covered writing surface. -Fitted stationery rack with two clean glass inkwells. -Drawers feature attractive wooden linings. -Exceptionally vivid and bright flame-mahogany figuring. -Elegant diamond-shaped bone key escutcheon. -Complete with keys for both the desk and side door. -Stands on distinctive double bun feet. -Polished back allows the desk to stand freely anywhere within a room. -Excellent condition throughout. -Particularly slim, shallow and easily manoeuvrable—ideal for smaller spaces. -Dimensions ( L x W x H ) 57cm or 22.5 inches x  35.5 cm or 14 inches x 95 cm or 37.5 inches Maker None. Furniture of this type does not generally carry a maker’s mark. Mark There are no markings as to manufacture. Year Circa 1830 Material  Mahogany and Flame Mahogany and tooled leather writing desk. Condition The Davenport is very solid in construction with no loose joints, breakages or restoration and is suitable for a study, home office, sitting room, bedroom, multi room use  - being deliberately small in dimension.  It has a very pleasant antique patina showing some marks, light scratches and cracking of the mahogany veneer but they are entirely commensurate with its age - being nearly 200 years old. Dimensions ( L x W x H ) 57cm or 22.5 inches x  35.5 cm or 14 inches x 95 cm or 37.5 inches Shipping We use trusted couriers in the UK and across the World. Purchases are very carefully wrapped and packed using high quality packing materials. Shipments are fully insured and sent at the risk of Chapman Pugh Ltd. Please be aware that there maybe customs and/or tax payments due on the parcels arrival in the buyers country. This varies from country to country. Any additional customs and/or tax payments are the responsibility of the buyer. ALL SHIPPING COSTS ARE REFUNDED IF LESS THAN STATED BELOW: Shipping Costs: United Kingdom £80.00 Central Europe estimated £250.00 Eastern Europe estimated £250.00 United States estimated £650.00 All Other Zones estimated £750.00 Additional Information  Davenports are usually designed to be quite small and were often used by women. But this one is very cleverly designed with its unfolding desk to be of a completely useable size within these very compact dimensions. We have not seen another in this configuration. So far as is known, the first Davenport was made by Gillows of Lancaster (an extremely prestigious cabinet maker) pursuant to an order placed by a Captain Davenport in the 1790s. The Gillows order book of that period reveals an entry: “Captain Davenport – a desk”. Not much is known about Captain Davenport although it is thought that he may have been in the Navy and wanted the Desk to be taken on board a ship where of necessity it would need to be of a relatively small size. Alternatively, he may have ordered it as a gift for a lady. Davenports were a very popular style until the end of the 19th Century although they grew in size and decoration to be much larger pieces of furniture. This example contains all the elements of an early Davenport with its relatively simple, elegant design and appearance not having the over-hanging desk which is a feature of some later Davenports and which would of necessity make it bigger and of a heavier appearance. The flame mahogany makes it an extremely eye catching and desirable piece of furniture.