Items Similar to Rare 18th Century Georgian Period Mahogany Architect Desk
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22
Rare 18th Century Georgian Period Mahogany Architect Desk
About the Item
This rare and elegant Georgian Architect’s desk has a ratchet top, extending drawer front, as well as storage compartments. Architect desks, more commonly known now as drafting desks, were built for artists, architects, and engineers, serving as multipurpose desks. They typically feature an adjustable work surface that allowed the user to adjust to a more comfortable position with compartmental storage for utensils such as pens, pencils, rulers, and more.
During the Georgian era, there was an explosion of interest in classical architecture. The homes being designed were based on classical forms of the earlier Renaissance period, favoring symmetry, grandiosity, and uniform stonework. The buildings that were created were often on a larger scale. Architects required a larger working space to draft drawings and plans.
The ratchet top of the desk got the most use. The top lifts over hinges and can be angled while the gate drops into grooves along a track for support. This feature allows the user to stand or sit comfortably without bending over. The top has a horizontal support or lip going across near the edge to hold sheets of paper plans, blueprints, or working drawings. The entire top surface can be adjusted for tilt angle. As mentioned, there is an extending drawer front with an ornate brass pull and lock. Inside, there is a leathered sloped writing surface that when pushed back, reveals a sizable storage compartment.
During this period, leathered writing surfaces were common on desks since steel pens were easier to control on a softer surface. A user of this desk may have used the ratchet top for drafting sketches and the leathered surface for conducting more formal works. This storage area has removable walls that can be moved to make custom sizes in the compartment to fit all sizes of items. This would have been important since an architect would be working with various forms and sizes of paper. There are drawers in this compartment for more precious or valuable items. Another neat feature is a drawer on the front left side that rotates outward to give access to pens and ink. The desk sits on marlborough legs, which were typical of mid-18th Century English furniture.
Overall, this piece is simplistic in style but rich in history. It is that history and features that make this piece uncommon. Having been used by an enterprising architect of the mid-1700s makes it much more than just a desk. It is the perfect piece for a modern-day aspiring architect, an avid antique collector, or even a furniture lover. Wherever it is placed it will be sure to spark conversation and awe.
Open: Height= 49 in., Width= 30 in., Depth= 43 in. Open Drawer= 24 in.
Closed: Height= 34.5 in., Width= 38.5 in., Depth= 25.5 in. Leg clearance closed= 24 in.
Depth of Lip= 0.625 in. Width of Lip= 31 in.
Weight= 90 lbs.
- Dimensions:Height: 34.5 in (87.63 cm)Width: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Depth: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)
- Style:Georgian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1760
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Being more than 250 years, there are scratches, nicks, ink stains, and cracks throughout, due to use and wear consistent with age. However, they neither take away from the beauty nor the working ability of this desk.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7185230005982
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
Established in 1964
1stDibs seller since 2022
7 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- 18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern FabricLocated in Chicago, ILThis is a finely carved 1760 English George III armchair. The George III period was named after the English monarch of the time. It was popular among the elite and mercantile class of people, due to its excellent material and intricate carvings. Due to the multiple King Georges, each George developed its own look. The George III period is also referred to as the Chippendale style. This period was often characterized by drawing on both the Rococo and Gothic styles. Pieces sported curves, arches, Chinese influences, and cabriole legs. This chair has been entirely carved out of mahogany; a premiere wood choice known for its durability, longevity, and rich coloring. The back has an elegant splat, a principal element of eighteenth-century English chairs. Splats are the center support for a chair’s open back and originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...Category
Antique 1760s English George III Armchairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Circa 1790 George III Mahogany Writing TableLocated in Chicago, ILThis George III table has gold embossed trim around a beautifully weathered dark green-blue leather tabletop. The square body has been made entirely from mahogany with a mahogany ven...Category
Antique 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Circa 1750, English Georgian ii Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern FabricLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1750 English Georgian II period mahogany armchair. The George II period was most noted for its intricate chairs. Like the other Georgian periods, this one was named after the monarch during the time. Under George II, mahogany became the predominant wood used for fine furniture. Many of the styles were symmetrical and had architectural curves, inspired by the Gothic. These works were very expensive and only the rich could afford and buy them. This specific armchair has a frame entirely carved from mahogany, which was a strong and durable wood that was also naturally water resistant and offers natural resistance against pests. The back of the chair has a splat design. Splats were an important element of eighteenth-century English chairs, offering support. It originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...Category
Antique 1750s English George II Armchairs
MaterialsMahogany
- 18th Century Louis XV Period Fauteuil Armchair with Modern FabricLocated in Chicago, ILThis 18th century French Louis XV Period fauteuil avec des courbes chair has been excellently crafted. Gentle S-curves and naturalistic floral...Category
Antique 1750s French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Beech
- Early 19th Century English Regency Mahogany Tub Chair ArmchairBy George SmithLocated in Chicago, ILarly 19th Century English Regency mahogany armchair in the Manner of George Smith (Born in 1786). George Smith was a celebrated furniture designer during the Regency Period. His desi...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Fine George III English Mahogany Demilune Table with Two Swing DrawersLocated in Chicago, ILThis is a fine George III English mahogany demilune table with two drawers that swing out. The George III style produced exceptional quality pieces that many collectors have deemed t...Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Demi-lune Tables
MaterialsMahogany
You May Also Like
- Georgian 18th Century Mahogany BureauLocated in Bedfordshire, GBAn 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau Having Well Figured Fall Flap Above Four Long Drawers With Original Water Gilt Handles Raised On Original Bracket Feet (Typical of the lat...Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
- 18th Century Mahogany Cylinder DeskLocated in Bedfordshire, GBA very good quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany cylinder desk having well figured roll top, enclosing baize sliding writing surface with...Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks
MaterialsMahogany
- Antique Mahogany Georgian Architect's Drafting Drawing Desk Table Chest 1780Located in Portland, ORA rare George II mahogany architect's desk/chest, circa 1750. The desk/ top slides forward, thus allowing the sitter to work, the top having a drafting table that has an easel support to place the top at three different heights, the highest being 47" floor to top. The chest having a plan drawer which is flanked by two pen drawers...Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Desks
MaterialsMahogany
- Very Rare 18th Century Maggiolini DeskBy Giuseppe MaggioliniLocated in Montreal, QCVery rare 18th century Italian neoclassical desk attributed to the workshop of Giuseppe Maggiolini. The piece is composed of extensive inlay ...Category
Antique 1780s Italian Desks
MaterialsWalnut
- Desk Swedish Early 18th Century Baroque Period SwedenLocated in New York, NYDesk Swedish Baroque Period Sweden. A rare Swedish Baroque desk in a stunning condition and patina from the Swedish King Fredrik I period. Structu...Category
Antique Late 17th Century Swedish Baroque Desks
MaterialsOak, Walnut
- Mid-19th Century Georgian Style Mahogany Knee Hole DeskLocated in Stamford, CTMid-19th century Georgian style mahogany knee hole desk in very nice original condition. The case having a single top drawer with a knee hole center flanked by three by three drawers...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMahogany
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Mahogany Desk With Drawers
Locking Desk
Antique Desk Pulls
Antique Home Desk
Antique Architect Table
Antique Architect Tables
Built In Desk
Woodworker Desk
Home Office Desk Used
Angled Desk
Midcentury Architects Desk
Midcentury Modern Architects Desk
Large Antique Table Desk
18th Writing Desk
18th Century Writing Desk
Antique Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Antique Desk Home Office Desks
Antique Home Office Desk