May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
First half of the 19th century; China/England. Rosewood or possibly huanghuali. Made for British sea captains and military officer's in the field. Brass bound around the outer edges with recessed brass pulls. This rare example with barrel roll top opening to reveal a fitted expanding cabinet in front of a campaign style sloping lid opening to a green baize lined writing surface with pen tray and ink compartments. The writing surface is hinged and opening to an open well all over a single long drawer with campaign style brass hardware. The roll section is released and opened when the central drawer is opened, thus revealing the fitted cabinet component of the desk which lifts upward from the desk interior. The spring loaded stops become the equivalent of a secretary. This unit with bowed top lidded compartments and campaign handles fitted with additional ink wells and a pop-up ebony straight edge for charting maps. The dome lid compartments above a central prospect door flanked by pigeonholes above a row of small stationery drawers all with original turned ivory knobs. Lid has an unengraved brass inscription plaque. The central door inlaid with a small mariner’s compass within a string inlaid border. Beneath the pull handle of the lid, there is a stamped Chinese character. SIZE: 11 1/2" H x 26" W x 19 1/2" D. CONDITION: Very good, as refinished. Desk is completely functional. Very good structural condition. There are some horizontal age cracks across the lid and inlay shows some minor cracks. Original green writing surface shows fading, some moth holes, and some staining. A very attractive campaign desk. DMG
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.