catalog text
A FINE GEORGE III STYLE CHINOISERIE DECORATED PEDESTAL DESK
England, circa 1880; with a few Hobbs & Co brass locks; unmarked
Item # 911PDW16E
An unusually interesting pedestal desk from the last quarter of the 19th century, this gorgeous piece is designed in the George III taste with an attractive angularity to the case. In the typical manner, the top lifts free of the pedestals without any difficulty, allowing for relatively easy transport. This is finished in a gorgeous tooled brown leather top, an early covering that remains in gorgeous condition with a nice worn patina.
Two short drawers flank a single broad horizontal drawer in the apron, these situated over three graduated drawers in the pedestals. All are crisply hand dovetailed with original brass knobs and a few original locks - these are stamped "Hobbs & Co", locks made by the firm of Albert Hobbs, the famed locksmith who defeated the previously undefeated Chubbs and Bramah locks.
Opposite of the desk side and designed to face the door of the study, the top is lined with three faux drawers complete with knobs over a pair of cabinet doors on either pedestal, these opening to reveal a shallow shelved space for books.
We are constantly drawn to the chinoiserie decorations of English craftsmen, but it is quite uncommon to find a desk with such interesting surface story, fine of quality in decoration, precision in craftsmanship and richness of material as the present example. It is positively gorgeous and of an exquisite organic color that is not too imposing while absolutely captivating the eye.
Measurements: 31" H x 36" D x 61" W
Condition Report:
Loss to bamboo edge panel moldings inside one pedestal, loss to bamboo edge molding on outer edge of one side of the top; cracking to chinoiserie decoration, particularly at the vertical joints along the sides of the pedestals; slight outward bow of one panel on pedestal side; scratches and loss to decoration and painted surface; some drawer bottoms with replaced portions, one drawer bottom with some shrinkage leaving a gap; some locks replaced, none tested, no key available; old worn leather in overall very good condition. Overall a very fine piece, ready to place.