This is an antique ship's purser's desk. An English, burr walnut Davenport writing table in the Beidermeier taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Exquisite craftsmanship with superb colour and figuring Displays a desirable aged patina and in very good order Burr walnut stocks present striking grain interest Rich caramel hues dazzle beneath a wax polish finish Low shaped back rest adorns the top, with a useful butler's grasp Drawer to centre dressed with a pair of circular brass pulls and lock — key absent Inset leather skiver residing within the drawer, in a tasteful dark red Skiver lifts and adjusts for angle upon a rack of ratchet teeth, with storage below Extending upon lopers, the drawer conceals a small pen drawer to one side Turned pillar supports to the front, opposite a panelled rear fascia Demi-lune plinth of deep proportion, with a generous kneehole The whole standing upon a quartet of squat bun feet This is a striking antique ship's purser's desk, with beautiful burr walnut figuring and wonderful colour. Pleasingly presented with a suite of useful functions and of attractive form. Solid joints and construction, delivered waxed, polished and ready for the home. Dimensions: Max Width: 59cm (23.25'') Max Depth: 42cm (16.5'') Max Height: 84.5cm (33.25'') Kneehole Width: 44.5cm (17.5'') Kneehole Depth: 23cm (9'') Kneehole Height: 60.5cm (23.75'') Skiver Width: 30.5cm (12'') Skiver Depth: 24cm (9.5'')