Mahogany Inlaid Roll Top / Cylinder Desk by Maple & Co London c.1890

A fine quality inlaid figured mahogany cylinder / roll top desk, by Maple and Co of London. The desk is constructed from the highest grade of choice curled mahogany veneers and solid mahogany timber, with the drawer linings also made from mahogany. The whole desk is designed in the Sheraton style and is decorated with boxwood and kingwood cross banding inlay throughout. The cylinder fall is fitted with stunning flame mahogany veneers , which are also to be found on the top section of the desk. The cylinder fall is counter-weighted and easily opens by pulling out the writing surface. The interior of the desk is also in solid mahogany with a series of pigeon holes, small drawers and the original tooled green leather writing surface. Above the cylinder there is an arrangement of 3 drawers and a moulded wooden gallery. Below the cylinder there is an arrangement of one long central drawer, stamped Maple and Co Ltd and flanked by two pairs of shorter drawers. All the drawers are fitted with their original brass handles (the exact type particular to Maple and Co) and hobbs of London locks. The desk is finished to all four sides with equal quality and the inlay also continues throughout, so it could stand well in the centre of a room or against a wall. It stands on elegant tapering legs which terminate in the original brass castors.