English Mahogany Partner’s Pedestal Rent Desk by James Winter ca. 1830

GEORGE III INLAID MAHOGANY TOOLED LEATHER PEDESTAL DESK

Executed by James Winter & Sons, England circa 1830
Stamped JAMES WINTER & SONS, 101 WARDOUR STREET LONDON; lock stamped BRAMAH PATENT

A pedestal rent desk of a form and interior that is most often attributed to Gillows & Co, this particular example is a stamped piece by the London furniture maker James Winter. A lovely patinated gilt-tooled leather writing surface on the top along with the same matched slightly maroon leather for the interior writing surface as well. The border is a complex marquetry mixed-wood inlay of vines and foliage. The top eight drawer fronts are faux and are the facade for a single full-width section that withdraws from the desk, the facade falling down by depressing brass buttons on either side to have access first to the interior writing surface, then by pushing this back to have access to the rent compartments. These are alphabetized and the backmost compartments host hidden drawers behind panels. Hung with simple ring pulls over each drawer. Drawers with oak secondaries and beautifully dovetailed. Raised over bracket feet. The desk requires some extensive surface restoration, as it is currently “rough” with veneer losses/etc. See condition notes.

Founded in 1823 by James Winter, the company was initially established at 101 Wardour Street in Soho, London. James Winter began as a cabinet maker, undertaker, dealer, and appraiser, specializing in the restoration and resale of second-hand and antique furniture. Their trade card advertised services such as offering A Liberal Price for Second hand Furniture in Large or Small quantities. His sons later joined the business, leading to the firm's rebranding as James Winter & Sons. Throughout its operation, the firm expanded its premises along Wardour Street, with addresses including 151, 153, and 155 Wardour Street. The company was active until at least 1882, as evidenced by records indicating the completion of new buildings and warerooms at that time.

33 5/16 H x 29 D x 49 3/8 W, knee clearance is 22 3/8

Condition. In fair estate-found condition and should be refinished/restored: edge breakage around the top with loss and damage to the inlays throughout, several areas of missing veneer pieces, various superficial blemishes and flaws, surface variation and discoloration throughout from wear and damage to the shellac. Shrinkage cracks to the panels on the back of the desk (faux cabinet doors), filled shrinkage cracks on the sides of the desk. No keys. Bramah lock probably a replacement (some patching around the lock on the inside).

Ref. 404PSZ12A