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

An especially neat and compact early 19th century late Georgian (c.1830) davenport writing desk in mahogany and flame mahogany in a most unusual format. It has the usual Davenport four drawers to the right which are, in this instance, uncommonly, enclosed by a locking door. This means that there do not need to be any dummy drawers on the other side and the whole effect is pleasingly tidy and unfussy. There is a lockable opening top and folding front revealing a leather covered desk with stationery rack above with two glass ink pots. The drawers are very attractively  wood lined. This Davenport is in extremely good condition and the flame mahogany markings are unusually vivid and bright. Both the door and desk keys are in place and the bone escutcheon for the desk key is an elegant diamond shape. The glass ink pots are in very clean condition. It stands on double bun feet. Being only 57cm (22.5 in) wide, 35.5 cm (14 in) deep and 95 cm (37.5 in) high, it is of very slim proportions having an especially shallow depth making it unusually suitable for smaller spaces and very manoeuvrable. Also, as it has a polished back, it is suitable to be free standing in any part of a room. 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. 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. 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 £95.00 * Central Europe estimated £250.00 * Eastern Europe estimated £250.00 * United States estimated £650.00 * All Other Zones estimated £750.00