Desks measuring less than 50" in width (127cm) have been categorised as small.

Medium sized desks are those measuring between 51" (130cm) and 65" (165cm) in width.

Finally, desks measuring 66" (168cm) or more in width have been categorised as large.
 

Types of Desks:

• Davenport: A compact form of desk or writing table which was developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Regency versions were box-like in appearance with a hinged lid above a case of drawers, but during the mid 19th century, versions with "piano tops" were made, with a recessed slide-out writing surface. These davenports often had hidden catches to release a rising compartment fitted with stationery drawers.
• Knee-hole: Often made all in one piece, the knee-hole section between the left and right hand arrangement of drawers being either open or enclosed, sometimes with a cupboard door.
• Partners': A desk originally designed for two people to use, with cupboards and / or drawers on both of the longer sides. The partners' desk usually comes in three sections, with two pedestals, each containing drawers or cupboards which support a flat top, which is normally inset with a leather writing surface. The top itself often has three drawers in the front frieze (the horizontal section beneath the desk top which links the pedestals together), and two drawers at the same width as the pedestals, which flank a larger central drawer. This arrangement is usually matched in the frieze at the rear of the partners' desk. These desks are often placed in a free-standing position in a room, as they look impressive from all angles, whether viewed from the front or the rear.
• Pedestal: The pedestal desk also usually comes in three sections, with two pedestals, each containing drawers or cupboards which support a flat top, which is normally inset with a leather writing surface. The top itself often has three drawers in the frieze (the horizontal section beneath the desk top which links the pedestals together), and two drawers at the same width as the pedestals, which flank a larger central drawer. Pedestal desks are often purchased to be placed against a wall, or in an alcove or recess.
• Semi-partners': Similar to the partners' desk description above, but with false drawers to the rear. Cupboards to the rear may be false or fully functional.
• Roll-top: Usually a four piece desk consisting of two pedestals containing drawers, a rear panel and a either a cylinder top or sliding tambour. The top opens to reveal a flat writing surface, stationery compartments and drawers.
• Writing table: These usually have one, two or even three drawers in the frieze and can have either solid wooden tops or inset leather writing surfaces. Edwardian pieces often have a superstructure to the top, containing additional drawers, stationery compartments, inkwells and so on.

Wood:
The vast majority of our stock is in mahogany, oak or walnut. There is a great deal of variation in the appearance of each desk, not only due to the type and cut of the wood used, but also in the patina built up on the piece over many years.

• Mahogany: The earliest extensive use of mahogany dates from 1720, with the importation of 'Spanish' or 'Cuban' timber from Puerto Rico, San Domingo, Jamaica and Cuba. Baywood or 'Honduras' mahogany was used in later years and is lighter in colour and is generally less well figured.
• Oak: The wood used from the 18th century onwards is lighter than that of earlier years, with distinctive tight grain and 'medullary' rays easing the process of identification. In the best of desks, oak was often used to line drawers.
• Walnut: In the solid, walnut can easily be mistaken for mahogany. Walnut was much used in veneers until the mid-18th century. The most attractive types of veneers are burr, oyster or curl.

Approximate Age:
In the absence of any specific evidence, the age of a desk can only ever be approximate. This is not least because new styles and fashions were not adopted across the whole country at the same time, as new ideas were sometimes slow to spread or be accepted.

Modifications and Repairs: Desks marked with the symbol ** are being offered for sale with modifications, alterations or repairs. These will be pointed out to customers and appropriately referred to on sales invoices.

It should be noted that the absence of the ** does not necessarily mean that every part of the desk is entirely original. The vast majority of antique desks offered for sale by UK dealers will have needed to have had at least some parts replaced. These could include changes to handles, leather top, castors, hinges, locks and keys. At Antiquedesks.net we are committed to ensure that our customers are aware of these points before a sales transaction is concluded.

It would be very unusual indeed to find an antique desk in truly original condition in every way, not least because desks, with their moving parts, were functional pieces of furniture and as such were often in daily use. Leather tops were often used in conjunction with ink which was prone to spillage. It can be seen then, that an antique desk without any damage or replacement parts would be a rare exception to the norm, and that this degree of rarity is usually fully reflected in the sale price of such a piece.

Wherever it has been necessary to carry out repairs, modifications or restoration, such work has been carried out by experienced professionals; with the aim of retaining as many original features and as much of the patina as possible.