Here is an absolutely gorgeous circa 1880's Empire style English mahogany Butler's desk with gorgeous burl and banded inlay, solid construction, original wood knobs, fluted pilasters and embossed leather work surface. I found this piece at an estate sale in Charleston, SC and it is spectacular piece perfect not only for the entry way of a large old home but as a hostess or maitre stand in a fine dining establishment. It measures 49 1/4 inch tall by 42 inches wide by 24 inches front to back and as as you see in my photographs has a beautiful wood top. The large writing surface is 36 inches wide by 20 inches deep, front to back, and is covered in a nice quality embossed leather that has probably been replaced sometime in it's past. The desk is designed to be used by someone standing, as the Butler would , and is 33 inches high so this delightful antique would also serve as a marvelous hostess or maitre stand in a fine dining establishment.
The desk has two top drawers which are "locked" by design unless popped open by below when the desk below is partially opened. These drawers measure 16 1/2 inches wide by 20 inches front to back by 3 1/4 inch deep. Within the desk itself are multiple small drawers and cubbies including a locking center door which hides two more drawers and access to open the two files on either side. This lock mechanism has been replaced. All of the drawers in this piece including each of these small drawers have been carefully constructed and hand dovetailed. The three large drawers on the left side of the piece are each 16 3/4 inch wide by 17 1/2 front to back and in descending order are 5 1/4, 6 1/4 nd 7 1/4 inch deep respectively. the lock mechanisms on the drawers including the desk drawers are not functioning. The locking door on the right side of the bottom conceals open cabinet space 19 inches wide by 17 1/2 inches front to back by 23 inches tall. the space has been divided by a removable shelf resulting in two shelves each with 11 inches clearance above. I will include the key which works this lock. Overall the finish on this desk is in very good condition for a piece this age, with only the minor nicks and dents one would expect with respectful use over time. I show in my close up of the lower section a few small spots where bits of the veneer are chipped away and there is one small spot on the upper part where the veneer has been professionally replaced but again, for a 19th century desk, the inlay on this one is in amazingly good condition overall. The lovely burl sunburst detailing on each side of the front just above the fluted pilasters really makes this one special.
Please send me your city and zip code and I will send you a confirmed shipping quote with one of my experienced economical independent blanket shippers prior to bidding. This Butler's desk is located in Charleston, SC and you are also welcome to either pick it up or make your own shipping arrangements. If you do use one of my shippers, please do allow six to eight weeks for delivery. Furniture purchased from me to travel together to the same location is eligible for combined shipping discounts, so please check out my other offerings in my ebay store and request combined shipping quotes if you see other items you like. I also have and will be continuing to list a variety of antique and vintage collectibles. Please also add me to your favorite sellers and check back regularly.
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