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George III Slant Front Desk over Slipper Feet circa 1760

Offered by: Silla, ltd.

Description
This gorgeous fall front is notable for its diminutive size, being full height and size for function as a writing desk but filling a very efficient footprint. The surface is silky with its worn polished and waxed patina throughout; it remains beautifully preserved with original and beautifully decorated hardware throughout. Each backplate and escutcheon is etched with some attractive stylizing. The lid opens to be supported over original lopers with small brass knobs, revealing a fully fitted interior with eight pigeon-hole letter slots over three drawers; one of the center pigeon-hole valances disguises a tiny drawer that easily withdraws for storing smalls. A single full width drawer is housed in the body beneath the fall front over an arched apron; the desk is raised over bold cabriole legs that terminate in angular slipper feet with a faceted form. The desk retains original labels from its acquisition at the Sotheby’s Olympia, London showroom in 2004.

Provenance: Sotheby’s, “The Keil Sale”, 22 July 2004, lot 275

Measurements: 28” W (at legs) x 18 5/8” D x 39 3/8” H; writing area 23 3/4” W x 31 1/8” D x 29 1/2” H from ground to fall front

Condition Report:
Front proper left leg with a modern block installed for strength. Old cracks in oak of corners, the seam between the two board construction on both sides having opened from shrinkage over the centuries. Original lock/key, hinges and hardware. A few returns are late 19th/early 20th century replacements. Old surface with wear as expected; one foot with some splicing restoration.

More Information

Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Oak, Pine, Iron, Brass
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Circa 1760
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, George III
Dealer Reference #:	801GPQ31
Incollect Reference #:	259421